Good news for Democrats in Connecticut

Party has a good shot at keeping Sen. Chris Dodd's seat, and picking up another down the road

Published January 14, 2010 2:39PM (EST)

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announces his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the retirement of fellow Democrat Christopher Dodd in Hartford, Conn., Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010.  (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (Jessica Hill)
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announces his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the retirement of fellow Democrat Christopher Dodd in Hartford, Conn., Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (Jessica Hill)

Quinnipiac's out today with a new poll confirming results from one earlier survey that had been conducted by a Democratic firm: Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is a heavy favorite to win the race for Sen. Chris Dodd's seat, in a much better position than Dodd would have been.

In a nod to the presence of World Wrestling Entertainment executive Linda McMahon in the race, Quinnipiac says: "Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has 35 to 47-point leads over three Republican candidates for the 2010 U.S. Senate contest, thumping former wrestling executive Linda McMahon 64 – 23 percent, bruising businessman Peter Schiff 66 – 19 percent and smacking former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons 62 – 27 percent."

Many Democrats, though, will be even happier to hear some other results from the same poll. It shows Connecticut residents losing faith in the state's other senator, independent Joe Lieberman. His approval rating is at a dismal 39 percent, 10 percentage points off what it was as recently as November, with 54 percent of respondents saying they disapprove of the job he's doing.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

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2010 Elections Joe Lieberman Richard Blumenthal War Room