Sen. Chambliss Says Palin 'Fired Up' the Base in Georgia Runoff

Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss, fresh off his victory over challenger Jim Martin in the Georgia Senate runoff, told FOX News Wednesday that campaign trail appearances by Sarah Palin helped put him over the top.

Both candidates brought in heavy hitters to stump for them in the final days before the runoff.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Al Gore hit the stump for Martin. And a host of candidates from the GOP presidential primary, including GOP nominee John McCain, stumped for Chambliss.

"We had some great folks in. Obviously, you want to peak on the last day, and we had John McCain and Mike Huckabee and Governor Romney and Rudy Giuliani," Chambliss told FOX News.

But he said Palin, who showed up for rallies in Georgia on Monday, had the most impact.

"Sarah Palin came in on the last day, did a fly-around and, man, she was dynamite. We packed the houses everywhere we went. And it really did allow us to peak and get our base fired up," Chambliss said.

"I mean, I can't overstate the impact she had down here," he continued. "When she walks in a room, folks just explode. And they really did pack the house everywhere we went. She's a dynamic lady, a great administrator, and I think she's got a great future in the Republican Party."

Chambliss' victory prevents Democrats from building a 60-seat filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. The only unresolved Senate race is in Minnesota, where a recount is underway to determine whether Republican Sen. Norm Coleman or Democratic challenger Al Franken will take the seat.