6th District candidates make final push hours away from runoff election

ATLANTA — The two candidates vying for the 6th Congressional District seat are trying to get more voters to the polls.

The runoff election between Republican Karen Handel and Democrat Jon Ossoff is Tuesday.

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

Channel 2's Nicole Carr spoke with both candidates Sunday as they spoke with voters.

Both campaigns want to make sure Tuesday’s voters know where to go, what time to be there and how to be a part of history.

Handel and Ossoff finalized their messages Sunday in front of documentary crews, local and national media.

“I feel great. I feel really, really good and optimistic," Handel told Carr, with less than 48 hours until Tuesday’s highly anticipated runoff.

SPECIAL SECTION: The 6th District Race

The nation's eyes are on Ossoff and Handel.

“We need a fighter, someone who's really going to represent the people of the 6th District., someone who's connected to this district,” Handel told Carr.

"I think we need more representation in D.C. that's focused on how to grow our local economy, how to improve people's health care choices and less on the kind of nonsense that seems to captivate career politicians in D.C.," Ossoff said.

Supporters held them down from Chamblee to Sandy Springs on Sunday, mobilizing for Osoff to make last-minute door knocks and gathering for a casual meet and greet, focused on issues and legacy, with Handel.

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I have a 27-year-old son who is in grad school. When he graduates in a month, where is he going to get his health care?” Ossoff supporter Jill Vogin said to Carr.

“Are you taken aback or surprised by any of the attention?” Carr asked Handel supporter Elisabeth Conklin.

"I definitely am. I mean, this is the most expensive congressional race in United States history, and just seeing how determined Democrats are to be able to take a seat that's been traditionally conservative since 1979,” Conklin said.

The campaigns have been subject to threats and violent political rhetoric over the last week, but say they remain focused.

“You know, that's just personal discipline, and I've had that my whole life and, you know, you have a project and you stay focused and you plow right through,” Handel said.

"We're talking prudent precautions and appealing for calm, unity, civility and respect,” Ossoff said to Carr.

More than $40 million has been spent on this race between the two campaigns, with Ossoff spending seven times more than Handel.

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!

Cox Media Group