Deal leading gubernatorial race

ATLANTA – With 29 percent of precincts reporting, Republican Nathan Deal is leading Georgia’s gubernatorial race.

Deal, according to the Secretary of State’s website, garnered 57.3 percent of the vote. Democrat Roy Barnes had 39 percent of the vote and Libertarian John Monds had 3.7 percent, according to results.

A candidate must receive more than half of ballots cast – the so-called 50 percent plus one threshold – in order to avoid a runoff.

In another race, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a Republican, appeared headed to re-election over Democrat Carol Porter and Libertarian Dan Barber. Cagle, according to the Secretary of State’s website, had 58.4 percent of the vote.

In other action, Johnny Isakson won re-election to the U.S. Senate, defeating state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, Fox News reported.

According to the Secretary of State’s website, Isakson, a Republican, garnered 62.4 percent of the vote. Thurmond, a Democrat, had 34.9 percent of the vote and Libertarian Chuck Donovan rounded out the field with 2.7 percent of the vote.

In addition, voters also cast ballots on a statewide referendum and five constitutional amendments.