Closing In: Independents Moving To McMahon.
Republican Linda McMahon gets nothing but good news in this morning Quinnipiac Poll of the race for the United States Senate in Connecticut. She’s cut Democratic frontrunner Richard Blumenthal’s lead to 10%, down from a galloping 25% gap at the end of May. McMahon, according to the survey, holds a narrow lead among the state’s largest bloc of voters, independents. There’ll be consternation in one of Greenwich’s many leafy, rich as Croesus neighborhoods this morning as Blumenthal digests his narrowing lead.
The poll also points the way forward for the wrestling mogul: make inroads among the 18% of Republicans who support Blumenthal after she wins Tuesday’s Republican primary. She appears on course to administer a thumping defeat to on again-off again opponent Rob Simmons, leading him 47-30, with Peter Schiff trailing at 14%. Simmons continues to suffer a reversal of fortune. McMahon trumps Simmons with Republicans on issues, character and personality. By a wide margin, Republicans see Simmons as a loser, and they are on to something. He now trails Blumenthal by 19 points, which may cause Republicans to see his quixotic bid as futile in comparison to McMahon’s increasing success against the 5-term attorney general, once considered a sure winner to succeed beleaguered incumbent Senator Christopher Dodd.
McMahon’s way forward should include a post-primary boost from some Republicans now supporting Blumenthal. A win on August 10th may help with undecided voters, too. Blumenthal will also have some decisions to make. Does he launch an air offensive and give McMahon a reason to retaliate with what he knows she’s got: devastating ads on his Vietnam service embellishments. What he doesn’t know is if there are more quotes in McMahon’s treasure trove than what Sergeant Blumenthal’s already seen her show.
Blumenthal, having entered into Coakleyville with three months to go, has some hard decisions to make.
3 comments
Blumenthal’s success post 8/10 will be determined by the strength of his campaign staff. While nobody knows just yet how strong it is, indications thus far are not promising for Blumy. Shoot, he’s never had to assemble a real team before – he’s been waltzing into the AG job for years.
McMahon’s staff is very strong – she’s been carefully fine tuning her human resources since she declared. Everyone I’ve come in contact with from her campaign is top notch.
I would not be surprised if the DNC funnels some money and manpower towards CT in the coming months. McMahon will be ready, though. It’s either going to be a dogfight or a very silent Blumenthal campaign whereby he leaves his fate to the strength of his name recognition.
T – I agree with you 110%. Linda’s campaign people are awesome. I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering for Linda’s campaign and have met several of them–they are the most professional, dedicated team, working tirelessly for Linda and the people of Connecticut. Even her volunteers are amazing. She is very fortunate to have such an incredible “dream team.” I would encourage anyone who wants to see Linda win to get involved with her campaign. Go to http://www.mylinda2010.com and learn how!
The scary thing for Blumy is that the one big knock on Linda, all the terrible pro wrestling stories that are supposed to scare everyone away, haven’t so much as made a dent. Between these last two polls, the whole Dem-funded “Moms Opposing McMahon” thing got plenty of play, drumming up some of the more tasteless bits from WWE.
And what happens? Linda gains 7 points in three weeks.