Democrat eyes anti-Trump upset in high-stakes Georgia race

Voters head to the polls in the state of Georgia yesterday to decide the most expensive US congressional race, a $60-million political brawl where a Democratic novice could score an upset in a conservative stronghold and strike a blow against the presidency of Donald Trump.

The race -- seen as an indicator for next year's mid-term elections -- appeared virtually deadlocked as both candidates sprinted to the finish, polls showed.

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Republicans are facing a sobering reminder of their president's poor approval ratings, as 30-year-old centrist Democrat Jon Ossoff, a filmmaker and onetime political assistant, clings to the narrowest of leads.

Polls are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm (1100-2300 GMT).

With Democrats potentially striking the first blow against Trump in 2017, the race has drawn substantial national attention -- and vast outside contributions to both candidates.

"It's a neck and neck race, and it's all about turnout now," Ossoff told WSB television Monday. "That's why we're so focused on get out the vote" operations.

Ossoff and his Republican rival, the former Georgia secretary of state Karen Handel, spent the last days crisscrossing the southern state's sixth congressional district speaking to voters.

Despite Trump's low approval ratings the president expressed support for Handel, 55.

"Democrat Jon Ossoff, who wants to raise your taxes to the highest level and is weak on crime and security, doesn't even live in district," he tweeted just before sunrise yesterday.

"KAREN HANDEL FOR CONGRESS. She will fight for lower taxes, great healthcare strong security-a hard worker who will never give up! VOTE TODAY," he then added.

Ossoff is trying to flip the suburban Atlanta district that Republican Tom Price left to become Trump's health secretary.

The Democrat won the first round against several candidates in April, but fell just shy of outright victory.