HARTFORD -- It was a forgone conclusion that both Connecticut's attorney general, Democrat Richard Blumenthal and former WWE President, Republican Linda McMahon would win their respective Connecticut nominations for the US Senate, a race that got far more interesting after the January announcement of Senator Chris Dodd's retirement. The gloves came off and each is circling the ring, sparring with the occasional bloody nose.
Behind the scenes drama at the Connecticut Democratic State Convention held in Hartford, CT. was heightened when senate challenger and democrat Merrick Albert, holding out for a possible run off, soon realized his diminished probability and spoke before the diverse crowd of more than 1400 delegates and guests, thanking supporters and formally withdrawing his nomination to throw his support behind Blumenthal. In a brief backstage meeting with Blumenthal, Merrick pledged his support and help in any way needed, a gentleman all the way.
Sure politics is messy, and this past week left a few bruised,
"This has been a week from hell."
Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz summed up after the CT Supreme Court's ruling that she was not eligible to run as attorney general forcing her to withdraw from all elected offices. Blumenthal alluded to the same sentiments that,
"This had been a difficult week."
And it's just getting started... but he vowed to do anything necessary, within the law, to win. Will rival McMahon? Or will she do anything in the world to win?
In my brief chats with party faithful delegates, there was no wavering of support behind Blumenthal: Bridgeport City Council President Tom McCarthy mentioned an incident 5 years ago, when sexual offenders were quickly moved out of the neighborhood with Blumenthal's help. There was repeated testimony of Blumenthal attending picnics, graduations, highly public events including the yearly September 11th Memorial and quiet moments without the cameras following every move. Taking in the outcome of the voting, Norwalk City Councilman Carvin Hilliard:
"He's going to be our next senator, considering how many lives he has touched there is no way Linda McMahon will win."
From Linda McMahon's press camp:
"We are incredibly pleased with the growing momentum behind this campaign and the better-than-expected show of support we received from Republican leaders and activists around the state. Elections are about contrast, and Connecticut Republicans today sent a clear and resounding message that they intend to challenge the Washington establishment and its hand-picked candidate with a political outsider."
Or, wait for a "Plan B" smack out as Linda heads for a primary with her moderate Republican rival and former US Congressman Rob Simmons. Slaying Blumenthal will have to come as she skewers Simmons. McMahon claims support from Tea Party and conservative groups as she has traveled to most Connecticut Republican Town Committees and although Blumenthal enjoyed high polling numbers, current criticism and scrutiny has deflated his rock star status, at least for now.
So what does $16 million buy? And how far is she willing to go to purchase the election? Apparently however much it takes. The same day of the fallout of the explosive New York Times article , McMahon's camp gleefully sent out a press release:
"The Blumenthal Bombshell Comes At The End Of More Than 2 Months Of Deep, Persistent Research By Republican Linda McMahon's Senate Campaign. It Gave The Explosive Norwalk Video Recording To The Times. This Is What Comes Of $16 Million, A Crack Opposition Research Operation And An Opponent Who, In The Words Of The President Blumenthal Worked For On A Draft Deferment, Who Gave Them The Sword."
With the intent to change the landscape,create doubt and mistrust at least to her supporters, veterans are rallying behind him as Blumenthal continues his fight for "No Veteran Left behind."
Local Connecticut newspaper: The Stamford Advocate ran an editorial painting the full picture of the Blumenthal debacle, tracing back to the specific event that precipitated the need for a national press conference. The NYT piece leaves questions of journalism integrity, not the work one expects from the New York Times. Gothcha tabloid news from the New York Post? Yes. Fox News? Of course. New York Times, no way.
Post Convention: Blumenthal's current challenge against McMahon was alluded to by his sketch of how his first job was shoveling manure on his grandfather's farm:
"I know about noisy animals and big messes."
He announced plans to bring a big shovel to Washington to a standing ovation of his supporters, party leaders and campaign workers. He also looks forward to, "Having an election, not an auction."
Linda may have met her match with a man who has for 19 years represented everyone in Connecticut, prosecuted companies illegal acts, arrested crooks and protected consumers. Linda's defense of ordinary people? Not so much...