Today is primary runoff day in Georgia. Or in other words, it's one of the "little" election days leading up to the "big" election day this fall. Yet in its own way, it's just as important as the other election days that have come before or the one still to come.

Topping today's ballot is the high-profile final selection between the two remaining Republican candidates for governor: former U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal of Gainesville and former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel. Polls showed the race neck-and-neck as the week began.

Their struggle has been an incendiary one in recent weeks, marred by barrages of negative advertising and regrettable comments. It remains an open question whether the wounds inflicted are so deep that the party can still rally this fall around whoever wins today's runoff for the right to face Democratic gubernatorial nominee Roy Barnes this fall.

Also near the top of today's ballot is the runoff between the two Republican finalists for attorney general: former Cobb Commissioner Sam Olens and former state Sen. Preston Smith of Rome. Olens was the leading vote-getter on July 20. His sterling service for Cobb and his exemplary leadership qualities make him the obvious choice as the better candidate.

Also to be decided today are races for state insurance commissioner, with one of the two finalists being Maria Sheffield of Marietta; and state public service commissioner.

Democratic voters will be deciding between state Sen. Gail Buckner and state Rep. Georganna Sinkfield as their nominee for Secretary of State.

And closer to home voters in northeast Cobb will be choosing between JoAnn Birrell and Earl Stine for the right to succeed Tim Lee as District 3 county commissioner.

Every vote counts, including yours. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. See you there.