This new seat in central Georgia is contested by two strong local politicians—Democrat Jim Marshall, a former Macon mayor, and Republican Calder Clay, a Bibb County Commissioner. Marshall, a Vietnam veteran who challenged Rep. Saxby Chambliss for the seat two years ago, has been endorsed by the state AFL-CIO. Marshall is running on job creation and access to health in the rural district. He also emphasizes a strong public educational system and domestic security.

Clay has been enthusiastically endorsed by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia, the rampantly antiunion construction association in this right-to-work state.

The IBEW has 1,211 members in Georgia’s 3^rd District.