« BACK  |  PRINT

RS

MEMBER DIARY

Connecticut Senate

By: cm12385 (Diary)  |  April 20th, 2010 at 08:52 PM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

I would like to hear the opinion of Red Stater’s regarding the CT Senate primary battle between Simmons, McMahon and Schiff. The conventional knowledge is that Simmons would likely be the best candidate in the general because of his stronger polling (lately) vs Blumenthal. He also gains much support amongst Republicans in his formerly held 2nd Congressional District. Some feel differently, in that McMahon and her pledged $50 million give her a large advantage, though she trails Simmons slightly vs. Blumenthal in the general. Then we have Schiff. I consider myself to be very conservative (am I allowed to anoint myself as such?), however I am not a Libertarian. But with regards to the other two candidates I think it is safe to say that he is far and away the most conservative of the candidates.

I specifically have a hard time as a conservative, getting behind Simmons despite his better polling. His voting record in Congress (2001-2006) demonstrates his rather liberal record on campaign finance, the environment (former cap & trade supporter), a 58% NTU rating and an aggressive pro-abortion record (100% NARAL rated).

So based on the three choices and where they are currently polling, I welcome your opinions on this race.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) 52%
Fmr. Rep. Rob Simmons (R) 38%

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) 55%
Businesswoman Linda McMahon (R) 35%

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) 58%
Stockbroker Peter Schiff (R) 32%

COMMENTS

POSTING RULES  |  LOGIN TO COMMENT  |  REGISTER TODAY
  • JamesLBurns

    I went to see Schiff a few weeks ago. He was at an event with Gary Johnson (former NM governor).

    On economics: This is Schiff’s background and he has a strong understanding of the markets, etc. — predicted the housing melt down.

    I had two issues with him: (1) His former ties to R. Paul, and appearing with G. Johnson only hightens this. (2) At the event he seemed overly focused on drug legalization. Putting aside how one might feel about this issue, he kept going back to it to the point that I really found it strange. I’d have had more interest if he used his economics background to really hit on ways the gov’t could cut spending and how to restructure entitlements to reduce gov’t spending.

  • Kyle-MI

    That is pretty dismal polling for our folks all around. It would be one thing if one of them were leading while the other two were not. As it looks now, if you vote the polls, then you are just voting for a smaller loss come Nov. IMHO, I think you are safe to vote your principles and your heart in the primary.

    • IJB

      There are reasons to think that the polling now is meaningless, and drastically over-estimates Blumenthal’s support. As it is, his numbers have already fallen some since he announced. And no less than “The New York Times” recently had a piece that openly worried that Blumenthal is turning out to be Martha Coakley II.

      This race is far from over, and there’s over 6 months to work towards a win.

      As to the original diary, if I were in CT, I’d be voting for Simmons, FWIW. But I’m not sure an out-of-stater’s opinion means all that much…

  • ktsub

    Simmons is not going to beat Richard Blumenthal, it would be near impossible for Peter Schiff…maybe the same for Linda McMahon.

    So to keep Blumenthal and the Dem party tied up, would it not make more sense to have mega self funder Linda McMahon, keeping his ears pulled back.

    Linda is a different kind of candidate, Simmons is not (he will be outa funds after the primary), at least the latter two…more so with Linda, will have the money to keep the drum beat alive.

    GOTV effort will be stronger at the top, and help the Governor race and downballot candidates. The amount of money that Linda McMahon will put into the race, will allow her to respond and drive people to the polls.

    • Jim

      Though I tend to lean toward Schiff since he is rock solid on free-market economics, you make a good point about McMahon making Blumenthal and the Democrats having to spend more money and resources than they otherwise would in a traditionally blue state.

      That being said, I would still gravitate toward Schiff because most people seem especially peeved with the Dems this year. If there is any year a rock solid conservative/libertarian will make inroads in states that are usually written off (see Massachusetts), this is the year.

      Simmons seems entirely useless and should be shunned for the reasons cm12385 points out.

      • proudgop

        NY Times had good read on Blumenthal

        http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/15/nyregion/15blumenthal.html?ref=politics

        He has never been tested. Linda has money and better personality. Simmons has better grasp of issues and voting record ( can be used against him) and a voting segment ( 2nd district)

        I sorta wish Simmons ran to reclaim his old House seat now. I do wish Gov Rell was our nominee here I think she would be winning this race hands down