Source: CBS New York
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/ AP) – Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal was elected to the Senate on Tuesday in a bruising cage-fight of a campaign against pro wrestling mogul Linda McMahon, extending the Democrats’ hold on the seat.
Blumenthal, one of Connecticut’s best-known politicians, withstood an advertising onslaught funded by tens of millions of dollars from McMahon’s own pocket and survived a scare last spring when it was reported that he falsely claimed or implied on repeated occasions that he served in Vietnam.
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With 3 percent of precincts reporting, Blumenthal had 51 percent of the vote to 47 percent for McMahon, a Republican political novice who touted her business experience in the world of wrestling. CBS News is projecting Blumenthal will win by a 9-point spread, 53-44.
Blumenthal, 64, will fill the seat held by Democrat Chris Dodd since 1981. Dodd decided not to seek a sixth term back in January amid lackluster poll numbers.
Blumenthal, attorney general for two decades, won despite a furor that erupted last spring, when The New York Times reported that he repeatedly told audiences he served in Vietnam, when he actually remained stateside with the Marine Reserve. He told voters he “misspoke” and never intended to mislead anyone.
The McMahon camp boasted that it was responsible for the story and called Blumenthal a liar, but the controversy all but died down.
