Sen. Isakson Kicks Off 2016 Re-Election Bid

Georgia's Sen. Johnny Isakson is getting an early start to the 2016 campaign, kicking off his re-election bid surrounded by the state's top Republicans at the state Capitol.

The Republican, who'll be seeking his third term, told about 200 supporters Monday that he wants to keep fighting to build up Georgia's infrastructure, pass a balanced budget amendment and reduce federal spending.

Isakson, who is 69, attributed the timing to Georgia’s political establishment, which was focused on the midterm election.

“The question always is, ‘Are you going to run again?’," Isakson said. "And of course before the last election we had on Nov 4, that wasn’t an appropriate question to ask anyone who wasn’t even up yet. But once Nov. 4 was over, I’m up.”

Gov. Nathan Deal praised Isakson as a "stable conservative leader." But many say Isakson wants to scare off potential primary opposition by announcing so early.

Isakson remains popular among Republicans and easily won re-election in 2010. It remains to be seen who among Democrats might challenge Isakson.

This year, Democrats had hoped Michelle Nunn would have claimed Georgia's other Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Saxby Chambliss, but she lost by nearly 8 points in the Nov. 4 election to Republican businessman David Perdue.

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