Georgia congressional races test Democrats' new districts

ATLANTA - Republican Max Burns held a wide lead over Democrat Charles ``Champ&#39;&#39; Walker Junior in one of three congressional races Tuesday that would decide how successfully Democrats redrew Georgia districts to their advantage. <br> <br> Former Macon Mayor Jim Marshall, seeking a Democratic victory in the heart of rural Georgia, led Republican Calder Clay in early returns. And millionaire Democrat Roger Kahn led GOP state Senator Phil Gingrey in a tight race in west Georgia. <br> <br> With nine percent of precincts reporting, Burns had 4,517 votes or 61 percent, while Walker had 2,914 votes or 39 percent. <br> <br> Seeking a comeback in west Georgia&#39;s Eleventh District after failing to unseat Rep. Bob Barr two years ago, Kahn led Gingrey 54 percent. Gingrey had 46 percent, with eight percent of precincts reporting. <br> <br> In the 3rd District, Marshall had 826 votes or 67 percent with two percent of precincts reporting. Clay had 410 votes or 33 percent. <br> <br> Republicans also contested two metro-Atlanta seats generally considered safe for Democrats. <br> <br> With 19 percent of precincts reporting in the new 13th District, Democratic state Senator David Scott held a tiny lead, 472 votes to 467, over Republican Clay Cox. Denise Majette, who upset Democratic Rep. Cynthia McKinney in the primary, faced Republican Cynthia van Auken in the Fourth District. <br> <br> Three opposed Republican incumbents easily won re-election. John Linder defeated Democrat Michael Berlon in the seventh District. Johnny Isakson beat Democrat Jeff Weisberger in the sixth District. And Jack Kingston defeated Democrat Don Smart in the First District. <br> <br> Republican Mac Collins faced Democrat Angelos Petrakopoulos in the eighth District. And Democrat Barry Gordon Irwin opposed Republican. Charlie Norwood in the ninth District.