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Coverdell outdistances Democratic Senate opponent
Incumbent defeats former Gingrich challenger
ATLANTA (AllPolitics, November 3) -- Incumbent Republican Paul Coverdell won a second term Tuesday in the U.S. Senate, defeating millionaire cookie entrepreneur Michael Coles.
Although Coverdell entered the election as a heavy favorite, up as much as 18 points in some pre-election polls, Coles held on for several hours Tuesday night before Coverdell's lead looked firm around 8:45 p.m. EDT.
Coles' money and the fact that he managed to take 42 percent of the vote in his race against House Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1996, kept him politically alive during an otherwise futile challenge to a safe incumbent.
Coles spent $3.3 million in his loss to Gingrich, and his strong television presence in the race with Coverdell also had a high price tag.
In his frequent ads, Coles attacked Coverdell for allegedly opposing HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) reform and the patients' bill of rights as well as voting to cut veterans' benefits.
Coverdell fought back with ads criticizing Coles' lack of military experience, saying veterans needed a veteran to protect their benefits.
Coles trounced little-known businessman Jim Boyd, 77 percent to 23 percent, in the Democratic primary. Coverdell had no primary-election opponents.
Political analyst Stuart Rothenberg and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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