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Richard Blumenthal won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate race but the Republican results will proceed to a primary battle in August. Blumenthal won his partys endorsement by acclamation Friday evening when his only opponent, Merrick Alpert, withdrew his name partway through the first roll call vote. Linda McMahon had received the Republican nomination late yesterday evening, beating U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons and businessman Peter Schiff. However, the Simmons campaign announced this morning it will force a primary run-off. Candidates who receive at least 30 percent of the vote are permitted to force a primary election.Both the Democrats and the Republicans are holding their conventions in Hartford this weekend. Many have speculated this will be an especially interesting election year because of the number of open seats including Senate and governor. The political scene became more interesting when the New York Times published as article last week saying Blumenthal had misrepresented his military service. McMahons campaign said they had provided research on the issue and had given the videotape to the newspaper.None of this seemed to matter on Friday night. In a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans almost two to one, Blumenthal enjoyed the strong support of his party.Were in a fight this year, a tough fight, Blumenthal said. I want to make clear from the start to everyone inside this hall and everyone beyond I will never be outworked, never be intimidated and never stop fighting for the people of Connecticut.During her campaign, McMahon has portrayed herself as an outsider who can help clean up Washington. The former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, she has pledged to spend millions of dollars of her own money to win the race. One Saturday, Simmons said in a statement, "Linda McMahon has invested over $16 million in this campaign. I have spent nothing taking my case to the voters, and there remains a case to be made."
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