ATLANTA (AP)- A runoff remains likely in Georgia's Senate race as the counting of thousands of Fulton County absentee ballots has failed to substantially change either candidate's share of the vote.

Neither Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss nor Democratic challenger Jim Martin have cracked the needed 50 percent of the vote plus one to claim a win.

Chambliss is just shy, with 49.8 percent. Martin has 46.8 percent. Libertarian Allen Buckley is pulling 3.4 percent.

The Fulton County absentees are the largest chunk of uncounted ballots in the state. They were still being tallied by elections workers Thursday night.

There are still an unknown number of provisional ballots to be counted in some counties. Military and overseas ballots also still must be tallied.

Secretary of State Karen Handel is expected to certify the
election results next week.