Republican veteran wins Georgia poll

The Republican Party easily won a key congressional bye-election on Tuesday, bringing respite and rare cheer to Donald Trump and his beleaguered presidency buffeted by the continuing Russia controversy and low popularity.

“Thank you @FoxNews,” a relieved Trump tweeted, citing a headline from the generally Trump-friendly network which read “‘Huge win for President Trump and GOP in Georgia Congressional Special Election’.”

Republican Karen Handel won the re-election to the Georgia state’s congressional district 6, a Republican seat vacated by Tom Price, who has since joined the Trump administration.

She defeated Democratic Jon Ossoff, a young filmmaker and political aide, who had sent hopes soaring among his party earlier by winning the open primaries with 48% of the votes. He could have won the election outright if he had won 51%. Spotting a chance to defeat the Republican candidate and Trump by extension, Democrats rushed personnel and resources to Ossoff’s aide.

Republicans fought back in what turned out to be the most expensive congressional race in US history.

Trump embraced the contest when it was portrayed as a vote on his presidency.

While the White House had played down the national importance of the Georgia race, Trump had gone all in on Handel, and the GOP no doubt sees the win as a shot in the arm as it fights to preserve its control of Congress.