Palin To Stump For Chambliss On Eve Of Runoff

The Georgia senate runoff has featured appearances by political heavyweights from both sides of the aisle (even President-elect Obama cut a radio ad for Democrat Jim Martin). Now, the big GOP gun is coming out as Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is set to join incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss for a series of rallies across the state next Monday, a day before the runoff election.

That Palin will be in the state so close to the vote is a statement about her new role in the party. Because runoff elections tends to be "base" elections, Chambliss is looking to energize conservatives in the state for the runoff and Palin's presence is more evidence of her appeal to them. Other potential 2012 presidential candidates like Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani either have or plan to appear for Chambliss but Palin appears to be getting the job as the closer.

The race could give Democrats a 60-seat majority in the Senate depending on what happens in the Minnesota recount and saving the seat would be a rare victory for the GOP in the current environment. Palin could certainly get some credit as well. But Democrats retain hopes for taking the seat, as the Politico reports.