By MATTHEW W. QUINN

Staff Writer

mquinn@griffindailynews.com

With six of 21 voting precincts reporting in Spalding County, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., held a narrow lead in the county over Democratic challenger Jim Martin Tuesday night.

Chambliss was projected as the winner by The Associated Press shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday night.

In Spalding County, Chambliss led 1,239 votes to 1,211. His lead was much closer than it was statewide - with 61 percent of precincts reporting, Chambliss led his opponent 60.5 percent to 39.5 percent.

Karen Mathiak, chairwoman of the Spalding County Republican Party, was at the elections office to help with the counting of absentee ballots. She said she had good feelings about Chambliss’ chances.

“I think he’s good to go,” she said. “I think he’ll be fine.”

She said she based her feelings on the matter not only on local information but information from the state Republican Party and Chambliss’ campaign.

Democrat Artemus Hood serves on the Spalding County Board of Elections and was also at the elections office Tuesday.

“Real good, if few Republicans turn out to vote,” he said when asked what he thought Martin’s chances were.

He said he believes Martin would be a better senator than Chambliss. He said the Barack Obama administration does not need Republicans filibustering just to filibuster.

In Spalding County, Republican Lauren McDonald had a wider lead over Democrat Jim Powell for the Public Service Commission race. McDonald had 1,181 votes to Powell’s 1,066.

In the Georgia Court of Appeals race, Sara Doyle held a slim lead over Mike Sheffield in Spalding County, 946 votes to 903 votes.

Many Spalding County residents voted early, just as they had in the Nov. 4 election.

“It was busy,” said Spalding County Election Supervisor Terry Colling. “3,400 people in six days.”