I know that it's been so long since CT has had to be really truly concerned about losing a senate seat to a Republican that we've all grown complacent. But I'm concerned. Here's why.
The Republican candidate for CT Senate is perennial candidate Linda McMahaon. Yes, the WWE CEO. Meanwhile the Democrats have long-time public servant Congressman Chris Murphy.
According to reports, Linda has spent around $65 million between her last failed senate bid, and the reent primary ($50 million for the last senate race, and around $15 million for the primary). (Source: http://www.wrestlezone.com/...)
Chris? Well he's spent around $3 million, and has about $2.5 million cash on hand. (Source: http://www.opensecrets.org/...)
There's a great billboard on I-95 in Fairfield County that says "Linda, She's Out Shopping Again!" And that's what it feels like.
So what is she buying? Airtime. Lots and lots of airtime. In fact, I think all of it. In the last 3 weeks there have been only 2 TV ads that I can recall seeing, both are from the McMahon campaign. The first hits Chris Murphy on his attendance record in Congress, claiming he was absent for almost 80% of his job. A claim the Hartford Courant labels as "Somewhat Misleading" (Source: http://courantblogs.com/...). But misleading or not, the ad has been on the air non-stop for weeks. NON. STOP.
Oh, the other McMahon ad that just started to air? It accuses Murphy of deliberately misleading the voters on Linda MacMahon's business record. A claim which the Hartofrd Courant labels as "Somewhat Misleading" (Source: http://courantblogs.com/...)
But here's the thing. I've never seen a Chris Murphy ad. As in never. And I'm one of those political junkies who gets really excited this time of year for politics. I keep the TV on for background noise when I'm home. It's not like I'm not exposed to things.
The result of all this is that McMahon is leading in polls 49-46% (Source: http://www.examiner.com/...)
This isn't to say that Murphy won't get his act together and eek out a victory. After all, he's spent farvless this season that McMahon has. But she has very deep pockets, and friends with very deep pockets. She can easily outspend him. Without resources and some sort of strategy, Murphy doesn't stand a chance.
I'm raising alarm here folks. I don't want to see CT become the state that puts the Senate in the hands of Republicans. If you can, go to Murphy's campaign page and send him some love. https://donate.chrismurphy.com/...