November Rain?

This January, when Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd announced he wouldn't be seeking re-election, Democrats scrambled to find a viable replacement. Dodd, who was Connecticut's longest serving Senator, was embroiled in financial scandals difficult to overcome. Enter Richard Blumenthal. The state's Attorney General since 1991 has held substantial leads against all potential Republican opponents. A spirited run from former WWE chairwoman Linda McMahon has Democrats worried as election day closes in upon us. Recent polls show the race tighteneing in a contest that may decide the control of the Senate.

Let's be frank here: Connecticut, a state in a traditionally blue region, presents an uphill battle for Republicans. However, the anti-establishment frenzy spreading throughout the nation has left its mark on the Nutmeg state whose Senate seat was once a foregone conclusion for Democrats. President Obama's state approval rating has fallen from 61% in 2008 to a low of 45% this month. Perhaps this is why Blumenthal has chosen to disassociate himself from Obama's campaign support...

Blumenthal enjoys many positive developments as the November race nears. Seven of ten residents strongly approve of his performance as Attorney General. The state's approval ratings for the repeal of health care and support for Arizona's anti-immigration law hover on the low end of the spectrum. During debates and traveling on the campaign trail, Blumenthal has moved toward the center in an attempt to placate voters. He's stated his oppositon to TARP and stimulus, maintained his support for both the "war on terror" and the death penalty. Not your prototypical Democrat.

McMahon, a self-made millionaire who's invested as much as $50 million of her own money in her campaign, is clearly the underdog. She's running as an anti-government, low tax, job creator. Known as the brains behind the uber-successful WWE, McMahon was instrumental in transforming the company from a small time local operator to an international phenom. She's aiming to surf the growing wave of public anger surrounding the economy and fiscal irresponsiblity.

As we'll see in November, the battle brewing in Connecticut is similar to that in many other states. This is Blumenthal's race to lose. But being a lifelong government employee, he's seen by many as part of the problem and not the solution. McMahon, a proven entrepreneur and job creator, will be viewed favorably. Who knows how the race will play out in this crazy world of politics. But come the first Tuesday in November, Democrats will be up well into the wee hours of Wednesday biting their fingernails.