Georgia's 8th Congressional District Election, 2006

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Michael Allen (Mac) Collins

A Republican mid-decade redistricting made this Macon-based district more compact and somewhat more Republican. Democratic incumbent Jim Marshall faced a very tough challenge by former Congressman Mac Collins, who represented an adjoining district from 1993 to 2005. Less than 60 percent of the population in Marshall’s present 3rd District was retained in the new 8th District. The reconfigured 8th includes Butts County, the political base of his opponent, former Congressman Mac Collins, who once served as chairman of the county commission. On the other hand, the 8th also includes all of Macon, where Marshall served as mayor from 1995-99. [1] The race featured heavy spending, not only by the candidates themselves, but from independent groups. During the campaign, President George W. Bush attended a rally to try and help Collins. Marshall won reelection by some 1,700 votes.

Marshall was reelected with 63% in 2004, but in 2002 won by only 50.5% to 49.5%. This is one of the most competitive House races in the nation.

[edit] General election results

Georgia's 8th Congressional District Election Results, 2006
Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Democratic	Jim Marshall (incumbent)	80,660	50.5%
	Republican	Mac Collins	78,908	49.5%
	Democratic hold		Swing
Source: Georgia Secretary of State