Georgia ? Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin urged Georgia voters to back Sen. Saxby Chambliss in today’s runoff in an election eve appeal that underscored her popularity within the Republican Party and the GOP’s efforts to stave off erosion of its shrinking Senate numbers.

“Losing an election doesn’t mean we have lost our way,” the former vice presidential candidate told a cheering crowd of 2,500 on Monday in the central Georgia town of Perry. “If we are to lead again, we have lots of hard work ahead of us. Let it begin here tomorrow in Georgia.”

Democrat Jim Martin staged a flurry of campaign rallies around the state, capping the day with a raucous event at the state Capitol with hip-hop stars T.I., Young Jeezy and Ludacris urging voters to return to the polls.