Handicapper: Toss Up in Connecticut
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/09/16/art.mcmahon.profile.jpg caption="The Cook Political Report moved it's rating of Connecticut's Senate race between Linda McMahon and Richard Blumenthal from 'lean Democrat' to 'toss up'."]
(CNN) - Just a few hours before President Barack Obama heads to Connecticut to try and help keep a Senate seat in Democratic hands, a top non-partisan political handicapper is now describing the contest as up for grabs.
The Cook Political Report Thursday moved its rating from "lean Democrat" to "toss up." Later Thursday the president's scheduled to headline an event in Connecticut for state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the party's Senate nominee. Blumenthal will face off in November's midterm elections against Republican nominee Linda McMahon. The former pro-wrestling executive has pumped millions of dollars into her bid for the Senate.
A Quinnipiac University poll of likely Connecticut voters released earlier this week indicates that McMahon has narrowed Blumenthal's advantage to six points. The winner will succeed Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd, who announced earlier this year that he would not run for a sixth term in the Senate.
Senior Editor Jennifer Duffy says that new data, including the Quinnipiac survey, suggests "a competitive race that is now up for grabs. As such, the race moves to the Toss Up column."
The Rothenberg Report, another well respected non-partisan political handicapper, is about to change its rating from "Democrat favored" to "lean Democrat." Editor and Publisher Stuart Rothenberg tells CNN that the data doesn't justify ranking the race as a toss up.
Follow Paul Steinhauser on Twitter: @psteinhausercnn
The American people are tired of the oppressive Democrat regime and will begin the first stage of ousting them in November. Second stage will come in 2012 when the anointed one becomes a one term President.
What's wrong with us voters...we're prepared to go with these unqualified, questionable candidates? Please see Minnesota and Jesse 'The Body' Ventura for further reference...
At least she knows how to manage something and make a profit at it. The other candidate is a goverment employee who knows how to spend taxpayers money. How much does it cost the taxpayers for obama to run around the country stumping? He should be worried about running the country? Whats the old saying "nero fiddled". Thank goodness freddie/fannie dodd is not running again, I don't think we could stand another collapse.
Linda is about to layeth the smacketh down on his candy ass if you smelllll what Linda McMahon is cookin' sorry lol i just had to say that lol
Somehow I got on a hot-list for Linda- seems a mailing arrives about every other day, essentially saying nothing. Deep purse?
Given the fact of her being quite out of touch with the perilous condition of the national and global economies, her simplistic analysis and promises, there's no way I could vote for her. Among other reasons.
A guy with well obscured resume who did not serve in the armed forces is coming to town to support a guy with faked resume about service in the armed forces. What can I say, politics of fakers!
The citizens of Connecticut are much more likely to vote for "the Crusher"...or "Dick the Bruiser".....than their current Republican candidate for governor. It says something about where the Grand Old Party currently finds itself in this country. One would assume that Senators will likely now be tested for steroids should the unlikely event of her election occur. Senator Blumenthal...welcome to Washington. Here's hoping that the GOP will shed their Bush "lite" ...neocon...chicken hawk.... image sooner than later. Where is Senator Goldwater when you really need him?
The citizens of Connecticut are much more likely to vote for "the Crusher"...or "Dick the Bruiser".....than their current Republican candidate for Senator. It says something about where the Grand Old Party currently finds itself in this country. One would assume that Senators will likely now be tested for steroids should the unlikely event of her election occur. Senator Blumenthal...welcome to Washington. Here's hoping that the GOP will shed their Bush "lite" ...neocon...chicken hawk.... image sooner than later. Where is Senator Goldwater when you really need him?
The latest poll gives Blumenthal a 6 pt. lead. That is well outside the poll's margin of error. Charlie Cook is getting like everybody else in Washington. Exaggerate and pontificate to keep yourself, in this case his Political Report relevant through the Nov. election. A six point spread is not a toss-up. The tea party candidate for US Senate won her race by 6 pts. and the media called it a significant win. The rule of thumb is anything above 5 is a solid win. But to Cook it's a toss-up? Go figure.
Isn't this the state that the media folks had penciled in a win for the demsw as early as a month ago.After Obama's visit it most likely will be favored by the republicans.
No more contribution for GOP 2010 should be big year for GOP now most GOP candidates unqualified
If it's within the margin of error on election day, the conservative wins.
Let's just put Senate seats up for auction. Seems if you can pump enough money into your campaign it is hard to lose. Between candidates like Whitman (CA) and McMahon (CT) and the flood of corporate $$ thanks to the supreme court saying corporations are people too, it looks like our Government is completely for sale.
I can't imagine anyone voting Republican. It puzzles me! They have done NOTHING to help this country and it's citizens. They have fought against ANY plan that would help. Voting "NO" against everything our President proposes is not leadership.
Repablican for majority, Go USA , GO
Come on down Barry and sink the democrat clown.
Kust what the country needs, another wrestling Kook in the Senate!
Actino hero, Fake wrestling promoters, the tea party nuts , and of course- Sarah-
The Republicnas have nagaed in just 2 years to make George Bush look like a statesman.
Blumenthal should win this by voters ,however if he has to wrestle her for the job he will lose .
Lunacy reigns in the US of A
IIf OBAMA shows up here it will be a sure loss of another indumbent.