The four-way race for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate to replace retiring senior Senator Zell Miller rolls on. So, far there have been few surprises. Yet, as the battle of the Internet attacks heats up, the race is starting to cause some Republicans to feel a little uneasy about the tenor and edge to the race.

Congressman Johnny Isakson continues to hold a sizable fundraising lead and boasts a formidable statewide political network. Determined not to be outflanked on the right, Isakson has towed the line in debates and interviews on key social issues among religious conservatives. To date, he has not unloaded the firepower of his accumulated political war chest. Instead, he remains content to raise money and make the rounds on the political circuit. He has responded quickly to some early shots and remained steady.

Congressman Mac Collins continues his bid to challenge Isakson from the right. In recent weeks, he has opened fire against his House colleague in an effort to solidify his role as the standard bearer for the right and some of his attacks have hit their mark. His fundraising continues to exceed expectations. Collins resonates with rural voters throughout Georgia and has shown surprising strength in some suburban counties. But, in the end, he will have to rely on the extensive network of religious conservatives to seriously challenge for the nomination. Of all the candidates, he would benefit most from a runoff.

Businessman Herman Cain continues to impress. If he could somehow force a debate in all 159 counties, or one televised debate per week, he could wreak some serious havoc in the primary. Cain has also steadily lined up some impressive endorsements among prominent Republicans. He has remained steadfast on social issues and is a proven fiscal conservative on economic issues. While Cain has “wow’ed” Republican audiences, he must still overcome the tremendous advantages of sitting officeholders like Isakson and Collins. That was and is a tough order.

Mediator Al Bartell presses on. So far, it does not appear that he has either the resources or network to remain competitive with the top three candidates in the race. To his credit, however, he has not shied away from either the challenge or the issues. In the end, he may do just well enough, when combined with the other candidates, to prevent any candidate from winning without a runoff.

Although the Democrats have failed to field any significant candidate, the competitiveness and tensions of the race among the Republicans have caused unease. Before it is over, some expect the GOP race to get tough and divisive. If too tough or too divisive, the political wounds that remain can convert an otherwise easy win in November to a much more difficult challenge. If a runoff is added to the equation, then the eventual nominee could be left not only wounded, but also drained of important resources for the battle in the General Election.

How all of this plays out remains to be seen. As the intensity of the race increases, the anxiety of Republicans anxious for a sweep of the United States Senate seats in Georgia only rises. Democrats, hopeful for another Georgia GOP self-destruct, keep their flickering hopes alive.