Favored Democrat, incumbent Isakson face primary challengers

ATLANTA (AP) Georgia Democrats hope a personally wealthy newcomer to state politics can take down incumbent U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson. But first, Jim Barksdale's fledgling campaign has to make it through the May 24 primary against project manager Cheryl Copeland and businessman John Coyne.

Georgia Democrats struggled statewide in recent years. Isakson won more than 60 percent of the vote in 2010.

This year, Democrats wager GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump's presence at the top of the ticket will be a drag for other Republicans. GOP observers here argue the often unpredictable businessman won't affect Isakson's broad base of support.

Isakson, who was unchallenged in 2010's primary, faces Mary Kay Bacallao and Derrick Grayson. Neither have the statewide name-recognition or campaign money Isakson has built up.

Primaries are on May 24.