Politics

Handel, Ossoff campaign on final weekend before 6th District vote

ATLANTA — Both candidates in the race for the open 6th Congressional District seat hit the pavement Saturday in their final weekend to get out the vote.

Democrat Jon Ossoff and Republican Karen Handel had heavy-hitters from each side to help campaign for them.

The latest Channel 2 Action News/Landmark Communications poll of 800 likely voters has Ossoff
leading Handel 49.7 percent to 48 percent.

On Saturday, Ossoff and Handel shook hands and talked with voters across the 6th District. They also had a little high-profile help.

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“It tells me we’ve got to have a crazy high turnout for Election Day on Tuesday for Karen Handel,” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price told the crowd at a rally for Handel in Chamblee.

Price's resignation from the 6th District seat to join President Donald Trump's Cabinet prompted this special election.

“We appreciate everything you’ve done for us, and we lift up in prayers you and your families and those who are currently serving to protect us today,” Handel told her supporters.

Ossoff campaigned in Cobb County, appealing to voters at a Juneteenth festival.

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“With the whole world is watching Georgia right now, this is a chance for us to stand up and make a statement about what we believe in,” Ossoff told the crowd.

Ossoff, a documentary filmmaker and former congressional aide, has aimed at the center, usually avoiding even mentioning Trump's name.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, a former two-term Georgia governor, took sharp aim at Handel's opponent.

"This is a race for the heart and soul for America," Perdue told Handel supporters. “She doesn’t have any strings to pull. I’ve already tried. In fact, she only has one string that can be pulled and that’s by the people of the 6th District of Georgia."

Ossoff campaigned Saturday with mentor and civil rights icon John Lewis, the Atlanta congressman from the neighboring 5th District whose criticism of Trump recently drew a slew of presidential tweets.

“He’s smart, his position is very clear, and he’s committed and dedicated to a better America,” Lewis said about Ossoff.

Both candidates admit this race is extremely close and asked their supporters to make a plan to get to the polls Tuesday.

On Election Day, count on WSBTV.com and Channel 2 Action News for coverage throughout the day. We’ll be with both candidates and have live, real-time results as they come in.

CLICK HERE for complete coverage of the 6th District runoff!

The Associated Press contributed to this article.