Political Breakfast from WABE
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning on the Political Breakfast podcast, veteran Atlanta journalist Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson, and Republican strategist Brian Robinson deliver Georgia’s best analysis of local politics with a weekly dose of informed, respectful and lively discussion. During Georgia’s state legislative session, Political Breakfast presents the pop-up podcast Gold Dome Scramble every Friday morning as host Lisa Rayam talks with reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali from the WABE newsroom to break things down for our listeners — the issues being considered, and the bills getting sorted through various committees at the Georgia State Capitol.
Trump and Obama stump in Georgia, Election Day one week away
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, we're on the heels of a visit from President Donald Trump -- and on the cusp of a visit from former President Barack Obama.
What does each president hope to accomplish by visiting Georgia at this stage of the midterm campaign? What can a former president or a sitting president do for a candidate that the candidate cannot do on their own?
Early voting ends Friday, October 30th. Election Day on November 3rd is exactly one week away.
Republican strategist Brian Robinson, who advises the Rick Jac...
Trump rallies in Georgia as polls show the president is "underwater" in Georgia, Obama comes to town, Early voting numbers
On this week's Political Breakfast, we start with President Donald Trump's latest rally in Dalton over the weekend, and another Trump rally set for Saturday in Macon.
Trump keeps saying that voters should pretend like he’s on the ballot when they think about voting in 2026.
This comes as the latest poll from the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the University of Georgia shows Trump's approval ratings remain "underwater" in Georgia.
If Georgia’s Republican candidates attach themselves to Trump and MAGA policies, will that help or hurt them with voters? Democratic strategist Tharon Johnso...
An empty debate podium during the Georgia Governor's race; Early voting is now underway
On another live version of Political Breakfast, our strategists discuss Rick Jackson’s absence Monday during the Atlanta Press Club debate for the Georgia Governor's race. The empty podium left the door wide open for Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms to take advantage of what she called a missed opportunity to explain his positions.
Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson advises the Bottoms' campaign. Republican strategist Brian Robinson advises Rick Jackson's. Both joined host Lisa Rayam to discuss why Jackson was absent at the latest debate, which also fell on the first day of early voting across Georgia.
Earl...
Candidates for Ga. Governor, Senate face off in heated debates
Candidates for Georgia Governor and Senate faced off in debates this week ahead of the November election.
On Tuesday, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson met for what will likely be their only debate before Election Day on Nov. 3. The hourlong matchup between the gubernatorial candidates featured questions from voters on a wide range of issues, including Flock cameras, healthcare, public safety, and elections.
Things got heated on Thursday in the first Ga. Senate debate between incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff and his challenger, Republican Rep. Mike Collins. Both came out swinging as t...
Tonight's face-off between Georiga candidates for U.S. Senate
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, we shift from the Georgia Governor's race, to the highly-anticipated face-off between the candidates for U.S. Senate.
Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and his Republican challenger Congressman Mike Collins will mull-over the issues Georgians are facing and will likely throw a few jabs.
Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson join host Lisa Rayam to give a preview.
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Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson face-off in first debate in Georgia Governor's race
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, our strategists give their unique insight into the first highly-anticipated, town hall-style debate between the final two candidates for Georgia governor: Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson.
We're broadcasting this week's PB just hours ahead of the debate -- one that could be the key to persuading undecided voters.
Republican strategist Brian Robinson advises the Rick Jackson campaign. Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson advises former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
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Plugged Into Politics: Kemp suspends state gas tax
Candidates for Governor talk about their plans after incumbent Brian Kemp suspends the gas tax.
The GOP faces questions about their candidate for U.S. Senate as Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff goes on the attack.
Plus, one of the most important organizations in the state is getting a new leader and why it matters in Georgia politics.
Hear these stories and more on this week's episode of "Plugged Into Politics."
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Warnock for President in 2028? Should Georgia's GOP candidates focus on the Trump base? Plus, Trump sparks fears about non-citizen voters heavily influencing November midterms
On this week's Political Breakfast, we fast-forward past the November midterm elections and land in 2028.
Democratic U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock: their names have been tossed around for a possible run for President. Warnock was pressed about it at a recent event.
Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson interpret his vague answer with host Lisa Rayam.
Plus, the latest with GOP Congressman Mike Collins' campaign for Ossoff's U.S. Senate seat. Can Collins maintain Trump's support while also appealing to Georgia voters who do not identify strongly...
Jackson declines in-studio debate with Bottoms, How AI is being used to target and slander politicians
On this week's Political Breakfast, we break down the latest in the Georgia governor's race. It looks like billionaire healthcare CEO and Republican candidate Rick Jackson declined a face-off with former Atlanta Mayor and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. That's as a new poll in the Governor's race gives Jackson a slight edge.
Democratic strategist and attorney Anre Washington fills-in for Tharon Johnson, with Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam.
Plus, how Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is is weighing on the minds of politicians at the local and state level.
While AI is...
Trump's $5K campaign promise, Congressman Collins talks immigration reform in Georgia
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, President Donald Trump is now promising to pay American adults $5K each -- IF Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate in this November's midterm elections.
Experts say that's a trillion dollar promise -- when the country is already burdened by roughly $40 trillion in debt.
The move would need Congressional approval. Republican strategist Brian Robinson, Democratic strategist and attorney Anré Washington and host Lisa Rayam weigh-in on if this campaign promise is ethical and even legal?
Then we'll move to the latest in Georgia's race for...
Georgia Congressmen Mike Collins and Brian Jack to take the stage at Dallas Republican convention, Another midterm election forecast
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, the first-ever Republican midterm convention gets underway in Dallas Wednesday, and two Georgians have been tapped as speakers.
GOP Congressmen Mike Collins and Brian Jack are both running for election. Will this national stage boost their numbers in Georgia?
Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson sort through this with host Lisa Rayam.
Plus, the latest election forecast from one of the nation's top statisticians .. focusing on Georgia's Gubernatorial race.
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Jones still has not endorsed Jackson for Georgia governor, Warnock calls for temporary statewide ban on big tech constructing data centers
On this week's Political Breakfast: There's questions swirling, as to why Georgia's Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has failed to endorse billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson for governor.
Jones lost the Republican primary runoff election to Jackson. The campaign attack ads were intense. The out-of-pocket spending was immense.
There may be some bad blood between the two, but with the November general election months away, is it time to clean the slate?
Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson share their thoughts with host Lisa Rayam.
Plus, U.S. Dem...
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens heated over DNC snub, a tense exchange between Georgia candidates, and undocumented immigrant workers file lawsuit against Jackson Healthcare
On this week's Political Breakfast, we talk about a recent exchange between Georgia gubernatorial candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson. It all unfolded in a hotel parking lot, after a Jackson attack ad took aim at Bottoms' husband.
Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson discuss with host Lisa Rayam how campaigns decide whether to rebut a claim, attack the messenger, or just change the subject.
A quick note: Brian advises Rick Jackson and Tharon advises Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Plus, Atlanta did not make the final cut to host the 2028 D...
Rick Jackson signs new contract worth millions as November election looms, plus Jon Ossoff attacks opponent Mike Collins over alleged ties to white supremacists
On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses how billionaire businessman and Georgia GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson signed a new contract to provide healthcare services to workers with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health.
Much of Jackson's fortune comes from the company he owns: Jackson Healthcare.
The trouble is, Jackson said he would shy away from conducting health business in Georgia if elected. This new contract would expire six months AFTER a new governor takes office.
Republican strategist Brian Robinson, who advises the Rick Jackson campaign, Democratic strategist Anre Washington and...
Democracy at its finest?
This edition of Political Breakfast explores the powerful role money and public perception play in Georgia elections.
Brian, Tharon, and Lisa examine how candidates with larger campaign war chests often gain a significant advantage that can translate into more voter support.
We also discuss how a candidate's reputation can be affected by the company they keep!
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POLLING AND EMOTING!
On this episode of Political Breakfast, Polling and Emoting explores the intersection of public opinion and campaign strategy by taking a closer look at the latest polls in Georgia and what they may reveal about the state's political landscape.
In addition, strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson, along with host Lisa Rayam, talk about the emotional dynamics of the campaign trail. They explore whether a candidate's emotional appeal can influence public perception, shape momentum, and ultimately translate into votes on Election Day.
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Was 'Toast on Lenox' in Atlanta toasting Rick Jackson? Campaign advisor roles, and more polling analysis
On today's Political Breakfast, our Republican strategist Brian Robinson responds to some listener feedback, wondering how his current role of advising the Rick Jackson campaign for Georgia governor, really works in tandem with his job untangling Georgia politics on WABE.
Plus, our Democratic strateigst Tharon Johnson also talks about his past roles as a campaign advisor, for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and others.
We also break down the recent Toast on Lenox-Rick Jackson photo controversy. Brian and Tharon talk about Jackson's visit to the Atlanta Black-owned breakfast spot. It's now being subjected to ca...
Atlanta fired-up for last FIFA match, Post-primary polls show slight Democratic advantage in Georgia Governor's race, GOP Titan Lindsay Graham passes away
On this week's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Anré Washington is filling-in for Tharon Johnson, alongside Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam.
We start with FIFA fever in Atlanta! It's the last week of the 2026 World Cup. England will face Argentina at 3 pm at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Will the soccer culture and spirit stay in Atlanta when the World Cup run ends?
Plus, more polls are out, a few weeks after the competitive Georgia primary elections. Even though polls don't tell the WHOLE story, our strategists believe they take a pretty good pulse of ho...
FIFA and a diversifying Georgia, Big billionaire spending in governor's race, Bottoms and Ossoff joined at the hip ahead of November election
On this week's Political Breakfast: Lately it's been less about politics in our news feed, and all about the FIFA World Cup! As we recorded, Atlanta was getting ready for its second knockout stage match at Mercedes Benz Stadium, with Argentina battling Egypt.
In the heat of Atlanta hosting the World Cup, a recent U.S. Census Bureau report estimates Georgia's population has grown by more than a half million people in the past five years, and continues to diversify.
The data shows that nonwhite residents account for all of the growth.
Republican st...
Georgia Republicans say for now, NO redistricting before the 2028 elections
On today's live edition of Political Breakfast, we're addressing a surprise move during a special session called by Governor Brian Kemp.
The plan was to redraw Georgia's congressional and state legislative districts. That's in response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gutted a key portion in the Voting Rights Act on redistricting.
Now critics say Republican-held states across the South could likely redraw their maps and put seats typically held by Democrats at risk.
But yesterday, Republican House leaders wrote a letter to Kemp, and decided that changes to the maps wi...
Georgians race to the polls today for primary runoff election, late Trump endorsement shakes-up GOP race
After months of candidates stumping for high-profile endorsements, spending millions of dollars on attack ads and traveling across the state, today's the day.
The polls are open for Georgia's primary runoff election.
Some of the most contentious races are on the Republican ballot, including the runoffs for U.S. Senate and Governor.
One race that's gotten some extra attention this week: the race for Democrat Jon Ossoff's U.S. Senate seat. President Donald Trump gave an 11th-hour endorsement of current Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. But strategists ask: why so late? Trump pos...
Ageism: Is age an increasingly crucial issue for voters? Plus, a murder on Atlanta's MARTA is now politicized in Georgia governor's race
On this week's Political Breakfast, we're starting off with an increasingly contentious local race ahead of the June primary runoff elections: the race for Fulton County Commission Chair.
Longtime incumbent Robb Pitts is being challenged by former District 4 Commissioner Mo Ivory. Recent debates between the two have been fiery and full of personal attacks.
One issue voters are bringing up is age. Pitts is now in his mid-80s. How does ageism play into these elections -- from the Fulton Commission Chair, all the way up to the Georgia governor's race? Do these attacks on ag...
Unity in Georgia governor's race, and redistricting doubts amongst Republicans? Plus, Georgia gas prices will spike after gas tax suspension lifted
This week on Political Breakfast, we're talking about party unity, and endorsements pouring-in as the dust settles from Georgia's May primary elections.
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and Georgia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Keisha Lance Bottoms, are joining forces ahead of the general election in November.
Is the entire Democratic base united to support the former Atlanta Mayor? If elected, Bottoms would become the first Black woman to take the state's highest office.
On the Republican side, unity is dicey. That's as political outsider and billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson and current Lt. Gov. Bu...
Debate drama, Republicans Rick Jackson and Burt Jones gearing-up for June runoff in the Georgia governor's race
On this week's Political Breakfast: The campaign for billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson confirmed with WABE he will NOT be part of Monday's Atlanta Press Club debate, in the battle for the Republican nomination in the Georgia governor's race.
His opponent, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, is now prepared to face an empty podium on Monday afternoon at 2:45, and answer questions from a panel of journalists alone. He also criticized Jackson for not showing up on social media.
Jackson's campaign cited a scheduling conflict: an event with Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. The campaign said i...
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominates win in May primary election, GOP candidate TBD
On this week's Political Breakfast, we have a quick recap of a critical Election Day for Georgia's 2026 May primary.
A large chunk of undecided Georgia voters showed up to the polls on Tuesday, and completely changed the game.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms dominated in the race for the Democratic nomination for Georgia Governor. She's now free to focus on the November general election, where she'll face the GOP nominee.
On the Republican side, billionaire businessman and healthcare CEO Rick Jackson and Lt. Governor Burt Jones will head to a June runoff el...
It's the final countdown for Georgia's early voters, and more candidates are under attack
On this week's Political Breakfast, we're in the final stretch of early voting for the May primaries! Early voting ends this Friday. Election Day is May 19th.
The Georgia Governor's race has been dominating our conversations on this podcast. Now it's time to turn to the U.S. Senate race.
Republican Governor Brian Kemp has endorsed former football coach Derek Dooley in hopes he can flip the seat held by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.
Is the Kemp clout working?
Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson weigh-in with host L...
THE TROUBLE WITH POLLS
On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses recent polling. Are they spot on or not?
Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson share their take with Lisa Rayam. A recent AJC poll on the Democratic Race for Governor is at the center of the conversation.
In addition, the team sorts through the recent US Supreme Court Decision regarding the Voting Rights Act and the state of Louisiana. What are the ramifications here in Georgia?
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Debate or not to Debate
On this edition of Political Breakfast, strategists Tharon Johnson, Brian Robinson, and Host Lisa Rayam talk about the art of debating.
The debate season kicks off in Georgia just as early voting gets underway. Do the candidates truly benefit from participating in this long-established routine?
Also, the team focuses on the Gubernatorial candidates and what the debate process specifically means for the top two candidates from each party.
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Political Breakfast takes a road trip to the Brookhaven City Centre
On this week's Political Breakfast, the team was pleased to record the podcast in front of a live studio audience at the Brookhaven City Centre.
More than a hundred listeners showed-up to hear host Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson.
They started off by discussing the latest in the Georgia Governor's race, GOP infighting and if the top candidates are focused on the needs of ordinary Georgians?
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Governor's race candidates stumping ahead of May primary, Atlanta youth gun violence, teen takeovers
On this week's Political Breakfast, the candidates in the Georgia Governor's race are in the final weeks to reach voters -- whether that's through big ad spending, or showing up for public forums and debates.
The front-runners are still Republican billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson, and former Democratic Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
The May 19th primary is fast approaching, and polls show there's still a ton of undecided voters.
Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson tell host Lisa Rayam that the remaining weeks will make a huge difference.
...
The overall mood, animosity after Georgia's Legislative Session? Plus, lawmakers could be summoned back for a special session
On this week's Political Breakfast, the final gavel banged on Sine Die. Georgia's 2026 Legislative Session is over. But as the dust settles and bills head to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for his signature, host Lisa Rayam asks Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson about the overall vibe under the Gold Dome.
The gang shares that the session ended with more animosity than normal between both chambers, and some hard feelings.
That's as lawmakers begin clearing out their desks and refocus on the upcoming elections.
Besides major offices like Georgia Governor, Se...
Could a Democrat win over former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's ultra-Conservative district?
On today's Political Breakfast, host Lisa Rayam goes live with Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson.
That's as some metro Atlanta voters line up to cast their ballots in a special election, to fill the seat of former Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Georgia's 14th Congressional District stretches from the northwest corner of the state down into Cobb County.
Voters will decide whether Republican Clay Fuller or Democrat Shawn Harris will represent them in Congress. Greene resigned from her seat in January. She left Congress after a falling-out with her former ally...
TSA wait times and chaos at Atlanta's airport, One bullfight after another in the Georgia governor's race
On this week's Political Breakfast, we cover majoring bickering between Republicans running for Georgia Governor.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire healthcare CEO Rick Jackson are on the attack.
Jones has accused Jackson's company, Alpharetta-based Jackson Healthcare, of allowing doctors to perform transgender treatment on minors and prison inmates, and placing staff inside Planned Parenthood facilities.
Jackson has accused Jones of using corrupt fundraising methods, and being a "stone cold liar."
Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson talk with host Lisa Rayam about how that's affecting the other to...
Will a Georgia Democrat take over MAGA territory in a runoff election for District 14?
On this week's first edition of Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam. All have thoughts about the race to represent Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Greene resigned in January after a falling-out with her once-ally, President Donald Trump.
The top two candidates in a special election last week are now advancing to an April 7th runoff. One, surprisingly, is a Democrat.
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Covering special election to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene's seat, Georgia candidates qualify, Crossover Day wrap-up, Political consequences as Iran conflict intensifies
On this edition of Political Breakfast, Republican strategist Brian Robinson and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson are back from spring break -- and are immediately bombarded with political headlines to catch up on.
On Tuesday there's a crowded field of candidates vying to fill Georgia's 14th Congressional District seat, left vacant by former Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. One person watching this race closely is MTG's former ally, President Donald Trump.
Plus, Brian and Tharon wrap-up 2026 General Election candidate qualifying news, and analyze which bills "crossed over" to the state House or Senate on Crossover Day...
Georgia federal and state candidates prepare to qualify for major races next week
On today's Political Breakfast, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson go live with host Lisa Rayam and are honing-in on next week's candidate qualifying period for the 2026 General Election cycle.
The period runs from next Monday to Friday. Candidates have until then to officially qualify for state races like Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General.
All Georgia Senators, Georgia Representatives and U.S. Representatives are up for re-election this year. So is one U.S. Senate seat, held by Democrat Jon Ossoff.
See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...
Gavin Newsom's Atlanta visit met with mixed reviews, federal judge rules against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones
California Governor Gavin Newsom came to town to stump for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the Georgia governor's race over the weekend.
He stressed how important it is for voters to mobilize, especially in wake of the recent federal raid on Fulton County's election office.
But some comments Newsom made alongside moderator and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens sparked controversy -- and parts of his speech, edited and shared without full context, are being amplified by MAGA media and some Republican lawmakers, including President Trump himself.
Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson calls it ra...
California Governor Gavin Newsom comes to stump for Keisha Lance Bottoms in governor's race, and that's a nail-biting choice for some Democrats. Plus, why many Republicans are excited about the visit.
This week WABE presents a special edition of Political Breakfast, broadcasting from the iconic Atlanta meet-up spot, Manuel's Tavern.
Opened decades ago by Atlanta's own fiery politician Manuel Maloof, it's well-known watering hole where folks from both sides of the aisle, have always sat together, enjoyed a beer or burger, and talked.
Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson joined host Lisa Rayam to do a wrap-up of the month's top political stories in Georgia.
That includes the latest in the Georgia Governor's race -- as California Governor Gavin Newsom is com...
Georgia Republicans are all-in on cutting taxes this legislative session. Will these bills cross the finish line?
This week on Political Breakfast, we're talking taxes.
Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones introduced officially introduced legislation in the Senate to cut the state's income tax for most Georgians.
His proposal includes phasing-out the tax over the next six years, fully eliminating it by 2032.
Meanwhile on the House side, there's a similar proposal to cut property taxes.
Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson and host Lisa Rayam respond to the questions many are asking: Will these bills ultimately help working Georgians? Are they going to make it past cr...
Georgia Governor's race polling shows Keisha Lance Bottoms first, Michael Thurmond second, but no massive fundraising numbers pouring-in for any Dems. Meanwhile, it's more money, more problems for Republicans
It seems like a two-way race for the Democratic nomination in Georgia's gubernatorial race, between frontrunner and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.
That's as the latest polling and campaign contributions are reported.
But Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson tell host Lisa Rayam, It's not over till it's over -- the numbers are still murky, and there's still a chance for candidates in the single digits to push forward.
Meanwhile on the Republican side, GOP titans are dominating campaign contributions in this r...
