Connecticut U.S. Senate Focus: The Democrats
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - The primary is next Tuesday in the race for U.S. Senate in Connecticut. Two Democrats and two Republicans are fighting to succeed the retiring Sen. Joseph Lieberman.
WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau On The Story
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Today, we are focusing on the Democrats. Tomorrow, we will focus on the Republicans.
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CBS NEW YORK DIGITAL DEBATE: CT. DEMOCRATS
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CANDIDATE: U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy
Heading into the primary election, Rep. Chris Murphy is bolstered by the endorsement of the New York Times. The newspaper lauded Congressman for his ability to come to terms with House Republicans.
"I worked really hard in the House of Representatives to try to reach out across the aisle. I run an organization called the Center Aisle Caucus, which is really one of the few places in the House where Republicans and Democrats are you know getting together to try and talk about the importance of civility," Murphy told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.
On Tuesday, Murphy faces a challenge for the party nomination from Susan Bysiewicz. But Murphy is keeping his eye on the Republicans, wondering if he'll be swamped in november by Linda McMahon's millions or Chris Shays' ability to draw votes from moderate independents.
"I'm going to be so wildly outspent in this election. My strategy has always been that I've got to make up for what I lack in money with hard work," he said.
That means traveling every inch of the state as much as possible.
CANDIDATE: Fmr. Conn. Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz
During the 11 years she held the office of Secretary of the State, Bysiewicz gained wide recognition. That, she believes, will help propel her to Washington as a U.S. Senator.
Once there, she vows fighting for middle class Americans will be the priority.
"Because I think that corporate special interests are being heard too loudly in Washington and there isn't enough representation of middle class families that are struggling," she told Schneidau.
Bysiewicz has a message for undecided Democratic voters.
"I am the best person to advocate for the middle class and I have a record of standing up to very powerful people and interests and fighting and winning," she said.
Who do you think will win? Sound off in the comments section below.
