Isakson makes it official, kicks off 2016 re-election bid

ATLANTA (AP) 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. <br /> <br /> 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. Gov. Nathan Deal praised Isakson as a "stable conservative leader."<br /> <br /> Isakson remains popular among Republicans and easily won re-election in 2010. It remains to be seen who among Democrats might challenge Isakson. <br /> <br /> 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.