Around the World: United States

Crucial senate race starts

Georgia voters returned to the polls yesterday to decide one of two unresolved US Senate races that Democrats need to win for a large enough majority to quash any Republican attempts to stall legislation.

Republican US Senator Saxby Chambliss faces Democrat Jim Martin in the runoff after a monthlong spurt of campaigning. In Minnesota, a recount that could take weeks is under way in the tight race between Republican Senator Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken.