United States Senate election in Connecticut, 2010
Encyclopedia
The 2010 United States Senate election in Connecticut was a midterm election
which took place on November 2, 2010 to decide a Class III Senator from the State of Connecticut to join the 112th United States Congress
. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd
suffered from dropping approval ratings in the past few years due to major controversies, leading him to announce in January 2010 that he would retire, instead of seeking a sixth term. As Dodd was a Democrat, Richard Blumenthal
, incumbent State Attorney General
, announced on the same day that he would run for Dodd’s seat. The Connecticut Democratic Party nominated Blumenthal on May 21. Businesswoman Linda McMahon
won the state party's
nominating convention and the August 10 Republican primary to become the Republican candidate.
In December 2008, it was reported that Dodd had a little less than $670,000 banked for a re-election campaign, far less than other senators anticipated to seek re-election. In February 2009, a poll indicated that Dodd's favorability ratings were slipping, and many Connecticut voters were not satisfied with Dodd's explanations regarding the mortgage.
On March 17, 2009, the NRSC
released a web ad attacking Dodd for his Irish cottage, his mortgage, and his relocation to Iowa
in 2007.
On March 2, 2009, noted pundit Michael Barone
suggested Dodd was "ripe for the picking" in the 2010 election due to the fallout from his various controversies. Nate Silver
of the prominent website FiveThirtyEight suggested that if necessary, another Connecticut Democrat should primary Dodd. Silver rated Dodd as the single most vulnerable incumbent senator up for re-election in 2010. On December 10, 2009 the Cook Political Report listed this race as "Lean Republican."
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Susan Bysiewicz
was quoted suggesting Dodd's yet unannounced re-election bid could be a drag on the candidacies of other Connecticut Democrats in 2010.
Many political leaders speculated Dodd could be persuaded to retire so as to preserve his "senior statesman" legacy. Fellow Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman
had indicated that he would have supported Dodd's reelection, despite past disagreements, including Dodd's 2006
endorsement of Ned Lamont
and Lieberman's support of John McCain
's 2008 Presidential Campaign
.
In fundraising reports issued for the first quarter of 2009, Dodd reported having raised over $1 million, but reported only five contributions from Connecticut residents.
confirmed Dodd's vulnerability. On April 2, 2009 Quinnipiac released a poll indicating Dodd in serious danger of losing re-election, despite the fact that Connecticut is a heavily blue state that President Obama won in 2008 with over 60% of the vote.
He failed to attain a 50% level of support against three lesser known possible Republican opponents. Former U.S. Congressman Rob Simmons
(R) in particular was leading in general election polling with double digit margins, and Simmons reached as high as 51% in a GQR poll. Notably, Rasmussen Reports
had Simmons 48% to 35% over Dodd in December 2009, a thirteen point spread.
Withdrew
's current plan. Alpert expressed that, being a former peacekeeper in Bosnia, he understands what policies work and which ones do not. The current one does not. Alpert set out a plan for the withdrawal of troops from the current war in Afghanistan. On a question concerning relations with Cuba
, Blumenthal explained that it would take time, and that he would put together a panel of Cuban-American people to decide the best course of action. Alpert explained that he would vote on the issue that night.
magazine reported that various Washington, D.C. Republicans were seeking to get Larry Kudlow, a popular TV talk show host and columnist, to enter the race against Dodd. State Senator Sam Caligiuri originally planned to run the U.S. Senate, but after doing poorly in both primary and general election polling he decided to drop out and instead run the U.S. House of Representatives in the 5th District. Tom Foley has also left the race to instead run for Governor of Connecticut, as incumbent Governor M. Jodi Rell
is not seeking re-election.
After the Quinnipiac poll that showed him barely edging Dodd in a potential matchup, Simmons decided to officially enter the race. Upon his announcement, the DSCC attacked Simmons for his past support of George W. Bush
and ties to Jack Abramoff
and Tom DeLay
. A leading state political blogger, who had endorsed Simmons' opponent in 2006, questioned whether these issues were relevant to the 2010 race. Simmons suspended his campaign after he lost the convention, but did not publicly endorse McMahon. In late July, Simmons revived his effort with a TV ad reminding Connecticut Republicans that "I'm still on the ballot."
McMahon, a billionaire, spent slightly more than $21 million through July 2010. Her two primary opponents each spent slightly more than $2.5 million each. When the Republican primary was held on August 10, frontrunner and party-endorsed candidate McMahon defeated Simmons and Schiff to become the official GOP nominee for the fall election against Richard Blumenthal.
.
* Denotes candidate met the minimum threshold of 15 percent to appear on the primary ballot
Primary
* Rob Simmons suspended his campaign on May 25, 2010 but left his name on the ballot. On July 29, he re-entered the race.
** Peter Schiff collected 10,000 signatures to be placed on the ballot via petition.
anchor Bret Baier
and televised live on Fox Connecticut. In the debate, McMahon identified Blumenthal as a career politician, touted her job creation record while CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment
, criticized Washington partisanship for Republicans not being invited to the negotiating table during healthcare reform
discussions in Congress, and stated that remaining stimulus
dollars were a waste that should now be used to pay down debt. Blumenthal as well criticized partisanship, saying that he would have sided with Republicans who voted against the Troubled Assets Relief Program
. He also used the debate to argue that middle class tax cuts should not have to wait for current tax rates on top income earners to be extended, stated that he would oppose special interests in Washington, and criticized McMahon for outsourcing WWE products overseas.
The Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and Business Council of Fairfield County sponsored a second debate in Norwalk
on October 7. It was aired on News 12 Connecticut.
A third debate between McMahon and Blumenthal was held on October 12, aired on WTNH
sister network MyTV9.
Official campaign websites
United States elections, 2010
The 2010 United States elections were held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. During this midterm election year, all 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives and 37 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate were contested in this election along with 38 state and territorial...
which took place on November 2, 2010 to decide a Class III Senator from the State of Connecticut to join the 112th United States Congress
112th United States Congress
The One Hundred Twelfth United States Congress is the current meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, composed of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. It convened in Washington, D.C. on January 3, 2011, and will end on January...
. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd
Christopher Dodd
Christopher John "Chris" Dodd is an American lawyer, lobbyist, and Democratic Party politician who served as a United States Senator from Connecticut for a thirty-year period ending with the 111th United States Congress....
suffered from dropping approval ratings in the past few years due to major controversies, leading him to announce in January 2010 that he would retire, instead of seeking a sixth term. As Dodd was a Democrat, Richard Blumenthal
Richard Blumenthal
Richard Blumenthal is the junior United States Senator from Connecticut and a member of the Democratic Party. Previously, he served as Attorney General of Connecticut....
, incumbent State Attorney General
Connecticut Attorney General
The Connecticut Attorney General is the state attorney general of Connecticut.The Attorney General is elected to a four-year term. The current Attorney General is George Jepsen, a Democrat serving since January 5, 2011.-List of Attorneys General:...
, announced on the same day that he would run for Dodd’s seat. The Connecticut Democratic Party nominated Blumenthal on May 21. Businesswoman Linda McMahon
Linda McMahon
Linda Marie McMahon is an American professional wrestling magnate and politician. She is notable for her career developing WWE with her husband Vince McMahon. She was in the company from 1980 to 2009. During this time, WWE grew from a small regional business in New York to a large multinational...
won the state party's
Connecticut Republican Party
The Connecticut Republican Party is the Connecticut affiliate of the U.S. Republican Party. Jerry Labriola Jr., a Wallingford attorney and 2010 candidate for Congress, is the party chairman, elected on June 28, 2011. Prior to his election as chairman, Labriola served as the party's...
nominating convention and the August 10 Republican primary to become the Republican candidate.
Controversies
Chris Dodd's power and popularity may have deteriorated for at least three reasons since his last re-election:- His poor performance in his bid for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination appears to have soured local voters. Dodd was criticized for moving to Iowa and neglecting his Senate duties to pursue what many in Connecticut saw as a hopeless campaign. That poll, showing Dodd's job approval at 51% was taken before the scandals.
- Dodd received mortgage loans as part of the "Friends of Angelo Mozilo" programCountrywide financial political loan scandalThe U.S. financial political loan scandal in 2008-2009 involved politicians who allegedly received favorable mortgage rates.In June 2008 Conde Nast Portfolio reported that numerous Washington, DC politicians over recent years had received mortgage financing at noncompetitive rates at Countrywide...
run by subprime mortgage lender Countrywide FinancialCountrywide FinancialBank of America Home Loans is the mortgage unit of Bank of America. Bank of America Home Loans is composed of:*Mortgage Banking, which originates purchases, securitizes, and services mortgages. In 2008, Bank of America purchased the failing Countrywide Financial for $4.1 billion...
. The Hartford Courant reported that Dodd had taken a "major credibility hit" from this scandal. A later poll in September 2008 showed Dodd's job approval declining to 43%, with 46% terming his job performance as "fair" or "poor". - On March 18, Dodd admitted responsibility for adding provisions in the 2009 stimulus packageAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, abbreviated ARRA and commonly referred to as the Stimulus or The Recovery Act, is an economic stimulus package enacted by the 111th United States Congress in February 2009 and signed into law on February 17, 2009, by President Barack Obama.To...
that allowed for controversial employee bonusesAIG bonus payments controversyThe AIG bonus payments controversy began in March 2009, when it was publicly disclosed that the American International Group was to pay approximately $218 million in bonus payments to employees of its financial services division....
. He had previously denied responsibility, saying the Administration pushed for the bonus clauses. Dodd only admitted wrongdoing after an unnamed source within the Treasury Department provided insider information to CNN. On March 19, after Dodd came forward, Treasury SecretaryUnited States Secretary of the TreasuryThe Secretary of the Treasury of the United States is the head of the United States Department of the Treasury, which is concerned with financial and monetary matters, and, until 2003, also with some issues of national security and defense. This position in the Federal Government of the United...
Timothy Geithner took full responsibility, saying he pushed Dodd against executive bonus limits.
In December 2008, it was reported that Dodd had a little less than $670,000 banked for a re-election campaign, far less than other senators anticipated to seek re-election. In February 2009, a poll indicated that Dodd's favorability ratings were slipping, and many Connecticut voters were not satisfied with Dodd's explanations regarding the mortgage.
On March 17, 2009, the NRSC
National Republican Senatorial Committee
The National Republican Senatorial Committee is the Republican Hill committee for the United States Senate, working to elect Republicans to that body. The NRSC was founded in 1916 as the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee...
released a web ad attacking Dodd for his Irish cottage, his mortgage, and his relocation to Iowa
Iowa
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
in 2007.
Election troubles
Michael Barone (pundit)
Michael Barone is a conservative American political analyst, pundit and journalist. He is best known for being the principal author of The Almanac of American Politics, a reference work concerning US governors and federal politicians, and published biennially by National Journal...
suggested Dodd was "ripe for the picking" in the 2010 election due to the fallout from his various controversies. Nate Silver
Nate Silver
Nathaniel Read "Nate" Silver is an American statistician, psephologist, and writer. Silver first gained public recognition for developing PECOTA, a system for forecasting the performance and career development of Major League Baseball players, which he sold to and then managed for Baseball...
of the prominent website FiveThirtyEight suggested that if necessary, another Connecticut Democrat should primary Dodd. Silver rated Dodd as the single most vulnerable incumbent senator up for re-election in 2010. On December 10, 2009 the Cook Political Report listed this race as "Lean Republican."
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Susan Bysiewicz
Susan Bysiewicz
Susan Bysiewicz served as Secretary of the State of Connecticut from 1999 to 2011. She was briefly a candidate for Governor of Connecticut in 2010, before dropping out to run for Connecticut Attorney General. She was disqualified from running for the office by the Connecticut Supreme Court and...
was quoted suggesting Dodd's yet unannounced re-election bid could be a drag on the candidacies of other Connecticut Democrats in 2010.
Many political leaders speculated Dodd could be persuaded to retire so as to preserve his "senior statesman" legacy. Fellow Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman
Joe Lieberman
Joseph Isadore "Joe" Lieberman is the senior United States Senator from Connecticut. A former member of the Democratic Party, he was the party's nominee for Vice President in the 2000 election. Currently an independent, he remains closely affiliated with the party.Born in Stamford, Connecticut,...
had indicated that he would have supported Dodd's reelection, despite past disagreements, including Dodd's 2006
United States Senate election in Connecticut, 2006
The 2006 United States Senate election in Connecticut was held on November 7, 2006. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman lost the August 8th Democratic primary to Ned Lamont. Lieberman formed his own third party and won in the general election to a fourth term.-Democratic primary:The...
endorsement of Ned Lamont
Ned Lamont
Edward Miner "Ned" Lamont, Jr. is a businessman and heir and most recently an unsuccessful candidate for the 2010 Democratic nomination for Governor of Connecticut. On May 22, 2010, Lamont received more than fifteen percent of the vote at the state Democratic convention, and appeared on the...
and Lieberman's support of John McCain
John McCain
John Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
's 2008 Presidential Campaign
John McCain presidential campaign, 2008
John McCain, the senior United States Senator from Arizona, launched his second candidacy for the presidency of the United States in an unsuccessful bid to win the 2008 presidential election. His candidacy, in the works for a number of years, was informally announced on February 28, 2007 during a...
.
In fundraising reports issued for the first quarter of 2009, Dodd reported having raised over $1 million, but reported only five contributions from Connecticut residents.
Polling
A March 2009 Quinnipiac University pollQuinnipiac University Poll
The Quinnipiac University Poll is an opinion poll research operated by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut...
confirmed Dodd's vulnerability. On April 2, 2009 Quinnipiac released a poll indicating Dodd in serious danger of losing re-election, despite the fact that Connecticut is a heavily blue state that President Obama won in 2008 with over 60% of the vote.
He failed to attain a 50% level of support against three lesser known possible Republican opponents. Former U.S. Congressman Rob Simmons
Rob Simmons
Robert Ruhl "Rob" Simmons is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former U.S. Congressman from Connecticut. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007, representing Connecticut's Second Congressional District as a Republican.Simmons ran as a candidate for the...
(R) in particular was leading in general election polling with double digit margins, and Simmons reached as high as 51% in a GQR poll. Notably, Rasmussen Reports
Rasmussen Reports
Rasmussen Reports is an American media company that publishes and distributes information based on public opinion polling. Founded by pollster Scott Rasmussen in 2003, the company updates daily indexes including the President's job approval rating, and provides public opinion data, analysis, and...
had Simmons 48% to 35% over Dodd in December 2009, a thirteen point spread.
Candidates
- Richard BlumenthalRichard BlumenthalRichard Blumenthal is the junior United States Senator from Connecticut and a member of the Democratic Party. Previously, he served as Attorney General of Connecticut....
, state Attorney General - Merrick AlpertMerrick AlpertMerrick Alpert is a Connecticut businessman and politician. He was a Democratic candidate in the 2010 Connecticut Senate race. Before running for office himself, Alpert served as a political aide to Oklahoma Governor David Walters and Vice President Al Gore. On May 21, 2009, Merrick announced his...
, former aide to David WaltersDavid WaltersDavid Lee Walters was the 24th Governor of Oklahoma from 1991 to 1995.-Biography:Walters was born near Canute, Oklahoma. He graduated as valedictorian from Canute High School in 1969. He later graduated from University of Oklahoma in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering...
and Al GoreAl GoreAlbert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election.... - Lee WhitnumLee WhitnumLee Whitnum is an American writer and politician. She is an outspoken critic of the Israeli lobby and gained notoriety on that issue in the 2010 Connecticut U.S. Senate race as a Democrat. She also takes a hard stand against illegal and legal "white collar" immigration as a way to curtail...
, businesswoman
Withdrew
- Christopher DoddChristopher DoddChristopher John "Chris" Dodd is an American lawyer, lobbyist, and Democratic Party politician who served as a United States Senator from Connecticut for a thirty-year period ending with the 111th United States Congress....
, Incumbent U.S. Senator, dropped out and decided to retire
Campaign
Merrick Alpert announced his candidacy to challenge current Senator Chris Dodd in May 2009. Facing grave prospects at re-election, Dodd announced his retirement from the Senate on January 6, 2010. Richard Blumenthal, the Attorney General and former State Senator announced he would be running.Debate
Merrick Alpert and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal squared-off in a March 1 debate highlighting important issues. On healthcare, Alpert revealed that he supports a single-payer system. Blumenthal explained that pool-purchasing powers should be explored. Alpert presented information as to how insurance rates have skyrocketed in Connecticut since the Attorney General took office. On the topic of war, Blumenthal pledged his support of President ObamaBarack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
's current plan. Alpert expressed that, being a former peacekeeper in Bosnia, he understands what policies work and which ones do not. The current one does not. Alpert set out a plan for the withdrawal of troops from the current war in Afghanistan. On a question concerning relations with Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
, Blumenthal explained that it would take time, and that he would put together a panel of Cuban-American people to decide the best course of action. Alpert explained that he would vote on the issue that night.
Polling
| Poll source | Dates administered | Richard Blumenthal | Merrick Alpert | Lee Whitnum | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac | March 9–15, 2010 | 81% | 6% | –– | 13% |
| Quinnipiac | January 8–12, 2010 | 84% | 4% | –– | 12% |
Results
Blumenthal won the convention overwhelmingly, disallowing any other candidate to get at least 15% of the vote necessary to get on the primary ballot. Therefore, Blumenthal went uncontested within the Democratic Party and officially became the Democratic nominee.Candidates
- Linda McMahonLinda McMahonLinda Marie McMahon is an American professional wrestling magnate and politician. She is notable for her career developing WWE with her husband Vince McMahon. She was in the company from 1980 to 2009. During this time, WWE grew from a small regional business in New York to a large multinational...
, (Campaign)Linda McMahon U.S. Senate campaign, 2010Linda McMahon, formerly CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, ran for U.S. Senator from Connecticut from September 16, 2009 to November 4, 2010. On May 21, 2010, she won a majority of support from the Connecticut Republican Party. She ran as a Republican, promising lower taxes, fiscal conservatism,...
- businesswoman - Ethan Book, businessman - petitioned for placement in the Republican primary, but likely fell short. He is currently seeking to run as an independent or minor party candidate.
- Vincent Forras, founder and CEO of Phoenix Group and founder of the 9/11 charity Gear Up Foundation - he is currently seeking to run as an independent or minor party candidate.
- Peter SchiffPeter SchiffPeter David Schiff is an American investment broker, author and financial commentator. Schiff is CEO and chief global strategist of Euro Pacific Capital Inc., a broker-dealer based in Westport, Connecticut and CEO of Euro Pacific Precious Metals, LLC, a gold and silver dealer based in New York...
, financial analystFinancial analystA financial analyst, securities analyst, research analyst, equity analyst, or investment analyst is a person who performs financial analysis for external or internal clients as a core part of the job.-Job:...
, economic adviser to Ron PaulRon PaulRonald Ernest "Ron" Paul is an American physician, author and United States Congressman who is seeking to be the Republican Party candidate in the 2012 presidential election. Paul represents Texas's 14th congressional district, which covers an area south and southwest of Houston that includes...
's 2008 presidential campaignRon Paul presidential campaign, 2008Ron Paul was a Republican Party primary candidate in the 2008 United States presidential election.Initial opinion polls during the first three quarters of 2007 showed Ron Paul consistently receiving support from 3% or less of those polled...
. Endorsed by the Tea PartyTea Party movementThe Tea Party movement is an American populist political movement that is generally recognized as conservative and libertarian, and has sponsored protests and supported political candidates since 2009...
. - Rob SimmonsRob SimmonsRobert Ruhl "Rob" Simmons is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former U.S. Congressman from Connecticut. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007, representing Connecticut's Second Congressional District as a Republican.Simmons ran as a candidate for the...
, former U.S. Congressman
Campaign
On February 27, 2009, CommentaryCommentary (magazine)
Commentary is a monthly American magazine on politics, Judaism, social and cultural issues. It was founded by the American Jewish Committee in 1945. By 1960 its editor was Norman Podhoretz, a liberal at the time who moved sharply to the right in the 1970s and 1980s becoming a strong voice for the...
magazine reported that various Washington, D.C. Republicans were seeking to get Larry Kudlow, a popular TV talk show host and columnist, to enter the race against Dodd. State Senator Sam Caligiuri originally planned to run the U.S. Senate, but after doing poorly in both primary and general election polling he decided to drop out and instead run the U.S. House of Representatives in the 5th District. Tom Foley has also left the race to instead run for Governor of Connecticut, as incumbent Governor M. Jodi Rell
M. Jodi Rell
Mary Jodi Rell is a Republican politician and was the 87th Governor of the U.S. state of Connecticut from 2004 until 2011. She was the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut under Governor John G. Rowland, who resigned during a corruption investigation. Rell is Connecticut's second female Governor,...
is not seeking re-election.
After the Quinnipiac poll that showed him barely edging Dodd in a potential matchup, Simmons decided to officially enter the race. Upon his announcement, the DSCC attacked Simmons for his past support of George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
and ties to Jack Abramoff
Jack Abramoff
Jack Abramoff is an American former lobbyist and businessman. Convicted in 2006 of mail fraud and conspiracy, he was at the heart of an extensive corruption investigation that led to the conviction of White House officials J. Steven Griles and David Safavian, U.S. Representative Bob Ney, and nine...
and Tom DeLay
Tom DeLay
Thomas Dale "Tom" DeLay is a former member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Texas's 22nd congressional district from 1984 until 2006. He was Republican Party House Majority Leader from 2003 to 2005, when he resigned because of criminal money laundering charges in...
. A leading state political blogger, who had endorsed Simmons' opponent in 2006, questioned whether these issues were relevant to the 2010 race. Simmons suspended his campaign after he lost the convention, but did not publicly endorse McMahon. In late July, Simmons revived his effort with a TV ad reminding Connecticut Republicans that "I'm still on the ballot."
McMahon, a billionaire, spent slightly more than $21 million through July 2010. Her two primary opponents each spent slightly more than $2.5 million each. When the Republican primary was held on August 10, frontrunner and party-endorsed candidate McMahon defeated Simmons and Schiff to become the official GOP nominee for the fall election against Richard Blumenthal.
Debates
On March 2, 2010, Republican candidates Linda McMahon, Rob Simmons, and Peter Schiff participated in the first debate of the GOP campaign on Fox 61WTIC-TV
WTIC-TV, channel 61, is a television station in Hartford, Connecticut. Owned by the Tribune Company, WTIC-TV is a charter affiliate of the Fox Broadcasting Company...
.
Polling
| Poll source | Dates administered | Rob Simmons | Linda McMahon | Peter Schiff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac | August 3–8, 2010 | 28% | 50% | 15% |
| Quinnipiac | July 28-August 2, 2010 | 30% | 47% | 14% |
| Quinnipiac | July 7–13, 2010 | 25% | 52% | 13% |
| Quinnipiac | June 2–8, 2010 | 29% | 45% | 13% |
| Quinnipiac | May 24–25, 2010 | 23% | 49% | 11% |
| Research 2000 | May 24–26, 2010 | 44% | 48% | –– |
| Quinnipiac | March 9–15, 2010 | 34% | 44% | 9% |
| Quinnipiac | January 8–12, 2010 | 37% | 27% | 4% |
| Moore Information | December 15–16, 2009 | 35% | 37% | 4% |
| Quinnipiac | November 3–8, 2009 | 28% | 17% | 5% |
| Quinnipiac | September 10–14, 2009 | 43% | –– | 2% |
| Research 2000 | September 8–10, 2009 | 38% | –– | 1% |
Results
Convention* Denotes candidate met the minimum threshold of 15 percent to appear on the primary ballot
Primary
* Rob Simmons suspended his campaign on May 25, 2010 but left his name on the ballot. On July 29, he re-entered the race.
** Peter Schiff collected 10,000 signatures to be placed on the ballot via petition.
Candidates
- Richard BlumenthalRichard BlumenthalRichard Blumenthal is the junior United States Senator from Connecticut and a member of the Democratic Party. Previously, he served as Attorney General of Connecticut....
(D), state Attorney General - John Mertens (CFLConnecticut for LiebermanConnecticut for Lieberman is a Connecticut political party created by twenty-five supporters of Senator Joe Lieberman. The party was created to enable Lieberman to run for re-election following his defeat in the 2006 Connecticut Democratic primary...
), professor of engineering - Warren MoslerWarren MoslerWarren Mosler is an American economist, president and founder of Mosler Automotive, and co-founder of the Center for Full Employment And Price Stability at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He briefly ran for President of the United States as a member of the Democratic Party in the 2012...
(I), economist and entrepreneur - Linda McMahonLinda McMahonLinda Marie McMahon is an American professional wrestling magnate and politician. She is notable for her career developing WWE with her husband Vince McMahon. She was in the company from 1980 to 2009. During this time, WWE grew from a small regional business in New York to a large multinational...
(R), businesswoman
Debates
The first debate between Linda McMahon and Richard Blumenthal in the 2010 Senate race occurred on October 4, 2010, moderated by Fox News ChannelFox News Channel
Fox News Channel , often called Fox News, is a cable and satellite television news channel owned by the Fox Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of News Corporation...
anchor Bret Baier
Bret Baier
Bret Baier is an American journalist and the host of Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News Channel. He previously worked as the network's Chief White House Correspondent and Pentagon correspondent.-Career:...
and televised live on Fox Connecticut. In the debate, McMahon identified Blumenthal as a career politician, touted her job creation record while CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment
World Wrestling Entertainment
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an American publicly traded, privately controlled entertainment company dealing primarily in professional wrestling, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales...
, criticized Washington partisanship for Republicans not being invited to the negotiating table during healthcare reform
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The law is the principal health care reform legislation of the 111th United States Congress...
discussions in Congress, and stated that remaining stimulus
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, abbreviated ARRA and commonly referred to as the Stimulus or The Recovery Act, is an economic stimulus package enacted by the 111th United States Congress in February 2009 and signed into law on February 17, 2009, by President Barack Obama.To...
dollars were a waste that should now be used to pay down debt. Blumenthal as well criticized partisanship, saying that he would have sided with Republicans who voted against the Troubled Assets Relief Program
Troubled Assets Relief Program
The Troubled Asset Relief Program is a program of the United States government to purchase assets and equity from financial institutions to strengthen its financial sector that was signed into law by U.S. President George W. Bush on October 3, 2008...
. He also used the debate to argue that middle class tax cuts should not have to wait for current tax rates on top income earners to be extended, stated that he would oppose special interests in Washington, and criticized McMahon for outsourcing WWE products overseas.
The Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and Business Council of Fairfield County sponsored a second debate in Norwalk
Norwalk, Connecticut
Norwalk is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of the city is 85,603, making Norwalk sixth in population in Connecticut, and third in Fairfield County...
on October 7. It was aired on News 12 Connecticut.
A third debate between McMahon and Blumenthal was held on October 12, aired on WTNH
WTNH
WTNH is the ABC-affiliated television station for the state of Connecticut that is licensed to New Haven. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on VHF channel 10 from a transmitter in Hamden. Owned by the LIN TV Corporation, the station is sister to MyNetworkTV affiliate WCTX and the two...
sister network MyTV9.
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Cook Political Report Cook Political Report The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan online newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the United States House of Representatives, the United States Senate, Governor's offices and the American Presidency. The Cook Political Report is led by a staff of five... |
Lean D | November 1, 2010 |
| Rothenberg Stuart Rothenberg Stuart Rothenberg is an American editor, publisher, and political analyst best known for his Washington-based, biweekly, self-proclaimed non-partisan political newsletter The Rothenberg Political Report... |
D favored | October 31, 2010 |
| RealClearPolitics RealClearPolitics RealClearPolitics is a political news and polling data aggregator based in Chicago, Illinois. The site's founders say their goal is to give readers "ideological diversity." They have described themselves as frustrated with what they perceive as anti-conservative, anti-Christian media bias, and... |
Leans D | October 31, 2010 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball Sabato's Crystal Ball Sabato’s Crystal Ball is a free, nonpartisan weekly online newsletter and comprehensive website in the United States that analyzes the current American political scene and predicts electoral outcomes for U.S House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, governors, and U.S. president races... |
Leans D | October 28, 2010 |
| CQ Politics Congressional Quarterly Congressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress... |
Leans D | November 1, 2010 |
| Rasmussen Reports Rasmussen Reports Rasmussen Reports is an American media company that publishes and distributes information based on public opinion polling. Founded by pollster Scott Rasmussen in 2003, the company updates daily indexes including the President's job approval rating, and provides public opinion data, analysis, and... |
Leans D | November 1, 2010 |
Polling
| Poll source | Dates administered | Richard Blumenthal (D) | Linda McMahon (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen Reports | October 31, 2010 | 53% | 46% |
| Quinnipiac University | October 25–31, 2010 | 53% | 44% |
| Public Policy Polling | October 27–29, 2010 | 54% | 43% |
| CT Capitol Report/Merriman River Group | October 24–26, 2010 | 51.8% | 43.8% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 24, 2010 | 56% | 43% |
| Quinnipiac University | October 18–24, 2010 | 54% | 42% |
| Suffolk University | October 19–20, 2010 | 57% | 39% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 14, 2010 | 51% | 46% |
| Quinnipiac | October 7–11, 2010 | 54% | 43% |
| Fox News/Pulse Opinion Research | October 9, 2010 | 49% | 43% |
| Rasmussen Reports | October 5, 2010 | 54% | 43% |
| CT Capitol Report/Merriman River Group | October 3, 2010 | 52.4% | 44.7% |
| Greenberg Quinlan Rosner | October 3–4, 2010 | 53% | 38% |
| Fox News/Pulse Opinion Research | October 2, 2010 | 52% | 42% |
| CNN/Time/Opinion Research | October 1–5, 2010 | 54% | 41% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 30-October 2, 2010 | 53% | 41% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 26, 2010 | 50% | 45% |
| Quinnipiac | September 21–26, 2010 | 49% | 46% |
| Quinnipiac | September 8–12, 2010 | 51% | 45% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 9, 2010 | 53% | 44% |
| Rasmussen Reports | August 11, 2010 | 47% | 40% |
| Quinnipiac | July 28-August 2, 2010 | 50% | 40% |
| Rasmussen Reports | July 15, 2010 | 53% | 40% |
| Quinnipiac | July 7–13, 2010 | 54% | 37% |
| Quinnipiac | June 2–8, 2010 | 55% | 35% |
| Rasmussen Reports | June 1, 2010 | 56% | 33% |
| Daily Kos/Research 2000 | May 24–26, 2010 | 52% | 33% |
| Quinnipiac | May 24–25, 2010 | 56% | 31% |
| Rasmussen Reports | May 18, 2010 | 48% | 45% |
| Rasmussen Reports | May 4, 2010 | 52% | 39% |
| Rasmussen Reports | April 7, 2010 | 55% | 35% |
| Quinnipiac | March 9–15, 2010 | 61% | 28% |
| Rasmussen Reports | March 2, 2010 | 60% | 31% |
| Rasmussen Reports | February 1, 2010 | 56% | 36% |
| Daily Kos/Research 2000 | January 11–13, 2010 | 56% | 34% |
| Quinnipiac | January 8–12, 2010 | 64% | 23% |
| YouGovPolimetrix | January 6–11, 2010 | 47% | 35% |
| Rasmussen Reports | January 6, 2010 | 58% | 34% |
| Public Policy Polling | January 4–5, 2010 | 60% | 28% |
Fundraising
| Candidate (party) | Receipts | Disbursements | Cash on hand | Debt | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Blumenthal (D) | $8,690,397 | $8,663,221 | $27,176 | $2,621,525 | November 22, 2010 |
| Linda McMahon (R) | $50,232,567 | $49,942,727 | $289,839 | $500,000 | November 22, 2010 |
- Source: Federal Election Commission
Results
Note: Blumenthal also appeared on the line of the Connecticut Working Families Party and received 30,836 votes on it. His Working Families and Democratic votes have been aggregated together on this table.External links
- Connecticut U.S. Senate from OurCampaigns.com
- Campaign contributions from Open SecretsOpen SecretsOpen Secrets is a book of short stories by Alice Munro published by McClelland and Stewart in 1994. It was nominated for the 1994 Governor General's Award for English Fiction.-Stories:* "Carried Away"* "A Real Life"...
- 2010 Connecticut Senate Election graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com
- Election 2010: Connecticut Senate from Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports is an American media company that publishes and distributes information based on public opinion polling. Founded by pollster Scott Rasmussen in 2003, the company updates daily indexes including the President's job approval rating, and provides public opinion data, analysis, and...
- 2010 Connecticut Senate Race from Real Clear Politics
- Connecticut Senate from The Cook Political Report
- 2010 Connecticut Senate Race from CQ PoliticsCongressional QuarterlyCongressional Quarterly, Inc., or CQ, is a privately owned publishing company that produces a number of publications reporting primarily on the United States Congress...
- Race profile from The New York TimesThe New York TimesThe New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
Official campaign websites