Gov. Christie Campaigns With Linda McMahon In Close Connecticut Senate Race
STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was an hour and a half late for his first campaign appearance with Connecticut Republican Senate hopeful Linda McMahon on Monday.
But when the governor did arrive to speak to the crowd in Stamford, he riled up the crowd, telling them there is a conventional way of thinking in politics that he helped shatter.
"Connecticut's a blue state and a Republican can't win in a blue state. You shouldn't want to vote for a Republican in a blue state. Well, I'm here as living proof," Christie said before he was drowned out by cheers.
WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reports
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The Stamford rally was Christie's first of three campaign appearances with McMahon, who is in a battle with Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy for the Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Joe Lieberman.
With about two weeks to go before Election Day, McMahon reminded supporters that every vote counts and said this election will likely come down to turnout.
"Make telephone calls, knock on doors, put signs in your yard. Just talk about the campaign and really encourage people to vote," McMahon said.
Earlier, as the crowd waited for Christie to join McMahon, the buzz centered on a new television ad featuring Democrats who support both her and President Barack Obama.
"Obviously, it's well known that Linda McMahon supports Governor Romney for president," said McMahon campaign manager Corey Bliss. "But her jobs plan, and her middle class tax cut, is something that appeals to Republicans, Democrats and independents."
Christie picked up on McMahon's version of the big-tent theory.
"Whether you're a good Republican, a good Democrat, each one of those folks has real reasons to want to support Linda McMahon," he said.
1010 WINS' Al Jones reports
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Murphy has called the ad deceitful; a lie that McMahon would work with Obama.
Also Monday, McMahon kicked off another week-long jobs tour in which she is scheduled to visit about 20 small businesses.
McMahon and Murphy have been locked in a close, contentious battle for the Senate. A recent poll shows Murphy with a slim lead over his challenger.
Murphy was elected to the U.S. House of Representative in 2006, after serving in the Connecticut House and Senate.
McMahon is the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. She lost her 2010 bid for Senate to Richard Blumenthal in the race to fill the seat vacated by Chris Dodd.
Who do you think will win the Connecticut senate race? Share your thoughts in the comments section below...
