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Republican Linda McMahon actually holds a small lead in the Connecticut Senate race. According to a new Qunnipiac poll she holds a three point lead over Democrat Chris Murphy in the race to replace Joe Lieberman. From Qunnipiac:
4. If the election for United States Senator were being held today and the candidates were Chris Murphy the Democrat and Linda McMahon the Republican, for whom would you vote? (If undecided) As of today, do you lean more toward Murphy or McMahon? (Table includes leaners)
LIKELY VOTERS.............................
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom
Murphy 46% 10% 82% 40% 42% 50%
McMahon 49 88 16 55 54 46
SMONE ELSE(VOL) - - - - - -
DK/NA 4 2 2 5 4 5
McMahon is best known for being the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment and running the company with her husband Vince McMahon.
Her having a lead now is a remarkable development, because she lost her 2010 Senate run by a significant margin. In the last cycle Richard Blumenthal beat McMahon by a margin of 55% to 43%, even though 2010 was a wave election for Republicans. It was assumed that this year in such a blue state with a Presidential election taking place she would have a very tough time doing any better, but it appears she learned a lot from her previous unsuccessful campaign.
If the Republicans can actually put the Connecticut senate seat in play, their chances of taking control of the chamber would improve significantly. Even if McMahon doesn’t end up winning, her polling well now could be a real headache for Democrats. She has the personal wealth to self-fund and could potentially force Democrats to put some real money in the state. So far she has significantly out spent Murphy in the state.
2 Comments
I think this probably proves the power of broadcast advertising. She has no doubt already sunk a pile of her wrestling porn funds into the race, while the Dems laid back thinking it was a sure thing for Murphy. It is very discouraging and distressing to be reminded that negative advertising is still winning the day. Talk about an informed electorate!
I live in Murphy’s House district. The notion that this would be a walk in the park was always a foolish one.
Following 20 yrs as state AG, Blumenthal had an 80% approval rating and close to 100% name recognition… in Jan 2010, right before Dodd announced his retirement.
Murphy has been a Rep. for 6 yrs. His name recognition is nowhere near Blumie’s. And IMO, legislators often make decisions in a zero-sum context. AGs tend to have more situations in which they look good to voters, then when they look bad to voters.
So for McMahon to lose 55 / 43 to “Mr. 80%” was, frankly, pretty amazing. And again, the thought that this is — and always was — Murphy’s seat was foolish. I’m not saying McMahon wins. I’m just saying that the CW is wrong and it McMahon’s money puts the seat in play.