2012 United States Senate election in Connecticut

none March 2026 2012 United States Senate elections December 2017 2012 United States Senate election in Connecticut Connecticut presidential no 2006 United States Senate election in Connecticut 2006 2018 United States Senate election in Connecticut 2018 60.9% (voting eligible)http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2012G.html 2012 General Election Turnout Rates George Mason University Dr. Michael McDonald February 9, 2013 April 3, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130424003112/http://elections.gmu.edu/Turnout_2012G.html April 24, 2013 dead mdy-all 2012 11 6 150x150px File: Chris murphy official photo govtrends version cropped.jpg Chris Murphy Democratic Party (United States) Working Families 828,761 54.82% File:Linda McMahon Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic.jpg Linda McMahon Republican Party (United States) Independent 651,089 43.07% 220px County results 220px Municipality results 220px| Congressional district results Murphy: #a5b0ff 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90%McMahon: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman Independent Chris Murphy Democratic Party (United States) The 2012 United States Senate election in Connecticut was held on November 6, 2012, in conjunction with the 2012 U.S. presidential election, other elections to the United States Senate in other states, elections to the United States House of Representatives, and various state and local elections. Primaries to elect Senate candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties were held on Tuesday, August 14, 2012.http://www.ct.gov/seec/lib/seec/seecfilingcalendars/2012_filing_calendar_candidate_committees_and_durational_political_committees__final_.pdf Candidate Committees, Exploratory Committees, and Durational Political Committees Organized for the November 6, 2012 Election State of Connecticut, State Elections Enforcement Commission August 13, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20121017200126/http://www.ct.gov/seec/lib/seec/seecfilingcalendars/2012_filing_calendar_candidate_committees_and_durational_political_committees__final_.pdf October 17, 2012 dead mdy-all Incumbent U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, an independent who caucused with the Democratic Party, decided to retire instead of running for re-election to a fifth term.http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/To-everything-there-is-a-season-Lieberman-965627.php 'To everything there is a season:' Lieberman announces plan to end Senate run January 19, 2011 January 19, 2011 Connecticut Post U.S Representative Chris Murphy defeated businesswoman and future Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, marking two defeats for her in two years.https://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-connecticut-senate-result-20121106,0,7451725.story Democrat Murphy beats GOP's McMahon in Connecticut Senate race Los Angeles Times Kim Geiger November 6, 2012 Elected at the age of 39, Chris Murphy would be the youngest senator in the 113th United States Congress. He was sworn in on January 3, 2013, marking the first time since 1967 that Connecticut had an entirely Democratic congressional delegation. Background In the 2006 election, incumbent Joe Lieberman was defeated in the Democratic primary by businessman Ned Lamont and formed his own party, Connecticut for Lieberman, winning re-election. Lieberman promised to remain in the Senate Democratic Caucus, but had since stood against the Democrats on many significant issues, including his endorsement of Republican 2008 presidential nominee John McCain over Barack Obama.http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2007/12/flashback_lieberman_said_he_wa.php FLASHBACK: Lieberman Said He Wanted To Help Elect "Democratic President In 2008" Talking Points Memo December 17, 2007 December 18, 2010 Greg Sargent https://web.archive.org/web/20110718053352/http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2007/12/flashback_lieberman_said_he_wa.php July 18, 2011 dead mdy-all As a result, Lieberman's poll numbers among Democrats dropped significantly.http://www.rollcall.com/issues/56_46/-200513-1.html Lieberman's 2012 Race Calculus Is Big Mystery Roll Call Peoples Steve November 15, 2010 November 30, 2010 November 19, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101119023704/http://www.rollcall.com/issues/56_46/-200513-1.html dead https://www.politico.com/story/2010/11/limited-2012-options-for-lieberman-045552 Joe Lieberman left with limited 2012 options November 23, 2010 November 30, 2010 Politico Molly Ball Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal was reportedly considering a run against Lieberman,https://thehill.com/homenews/news/15609-connecticut-attorney-general-eyes-lieberman-challenge/ Connecticut attorney general eyes Lieberman challenge The Hill Reid Wilson February 3, 2009 December 18, 2010 but instead ran for and won Connecticut's other Senate seat in 2010 after U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd announced his retirement.http://www.necn.com/Boston/Politics/2010/01/06/Richard-Blumenthal-announces/1262809784.html Richard Blumenthal announces candidacy for U.S. Senate NECN January 6, 2010 January 18, 2011 Lieberman had publicly floated the possibility of running as a Democrat,https://thehill.com/homenews/news/16266-lieberman-open-to-reunion-with-democrats/ Lieberman open to reunion with Democratic Party J. Taylor Rushing The Hill March 13, 2009 December 18, 2010 Republican,http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/15/lieberman.senate/index.html Lieberman won't rule out run as Republican in 2012 December 16, 2010 November 18, 2010 CNN Dana Bash or independent.https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/77807-lieberman-says-he-would-likely-pursue-reelection-as-an-independent/ Lieberman says he would likely pursue reelection as an Independent January 17, 2011 December 18, 2010 The Hill Michael O'Brien However, on January 19, 2011, he announced that he would not run for another term. Democratic primary Candidates Declared Susan Bysiewicz, former Connecticut secretary of statehttp://ctmirror.org/story/11196/bysiewicz-declare-us-senate Bysiewicz to declare for U.S. Senate The Connecticut Mirror Pazniokas Mark January 18, 2011 January 18, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110725213122/http://ctmirror.org/story/11196/bysiewicz-declare-us-senate July 25, 2011 dead mdy-all Chris Murphy, U.S. representativehttp://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2011/01/murphy-to-run-f.php Chris Murphy To Run For Senate National Journal January 20, 2011 January 20, 2011 Jeremy P. Jacobs Jessica Taylor https://web.archive.org/web/20110123050809/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2011/01/murphy-to-run-f.php January 23, 2011 dead Sylvester Salcedo, attorneyhttp://www.westport-news.com/news/article/McMahon-close-to-launching-another-Senate-bid-2068186.php McMahon close to launching another Senate bid August 16, 2011 February 4, 2012 The Westport News Neil Vigdor October 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141017222814/http://www.westport-news.com/news/article/McMahon-close-to-launching-another-Senate-bid-2068186.php dead Lee Whitnum, anti-AIPAC activist and software engineerhttp://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Shays-officially-announces-Senate-bid-2688506.php Shays officially announces Senate bid January 25, 2012 February 4, 2012 The News-Times Neil Vigdor Withdrawn Matthew Oakes, activist (endorsed Murphy)Green Rick Endorsement Over A Cold One http://courantblogs.com/rick-green/endorsement-over-a-cold-one-oakes-backs-murph https://archive.today/20130121062151/http://courantblogs.com/rick-green/endorsement-over-a-cold-one-oakes-backs-murph dead January 21, 2013 May 24, 2012 May 24, 2012 William Tong, state representative (running for re-election; endorsed Murphy)Pazniokas Mark Tong drops, joins Malloy in endorsing Murphy http://www.ctmirror.org/story/16188/tong-drops-joins-malloy-endorsing-murphy May 2, 2012 May 1, 2012 Debates The first Democratic debate took place on February 23, 2012, with Murphy, Bysiewicz, and Tong participating.http://ctmirror.org/story/15542/senate-candidates-play-nice-sort-first-debate Senate Democratic candidates play nice at first debate February 23, 2012 May 4, 2012 CTMirror.org Jacqueline Rabe Thomas The first televised debate was held on April 5, with Murphy, Bysiewicz, Tong, Oakes, and Whitnum participating.http://ctmirror.org/story/15933/senate-debates-erupts-heated-attacks Live Senate debate ends with personal attack on Murphy April 5, 2012 May 4, 2012 CTMirror.org Kieth M. Phaneuf https://web.archive.org/web/20120413162323/http://ctmirror.org/story/15933/senate-debates-erupts-heated-attacks April 13, 2012 dead A debate was held at UConn on April 9, with the five candidates participating.http://www.dailycampus.com/news/uconn-hosts-senate-debate-1.2842962#.T6QV7-j2eSo UConn hosts Senate debate April 10, 2012 May 4, 2012 The Daily Campus Liz Crowley https://web.archive.org/web/20120414133342/http://www.dailycampus.com/news/uconn-hosts-senate-debate-1.2842962#.T6QV7-j2eSo April 14, 2012 dead A debate sponsored by WFSB took place on April 15, with all five taking part.http://ctmirror.org/story/16024/senate-debate-covers-pot-guns-and-price-milk Senate debate covers pot, guns and price of milk April 15, 2012 April 23, 2012 CTMirror.org Mark Pazniokas Convention Delegates of the Connecticut Democratic Party endorsed Chris Murphy at their state party convention held on May 12. Murphy was the choice of 1,378 delegates (76 percent), while Susan Bysiewicz won 444 delegates (24 percent), enough to qualify for the August 14 primary. Matthew Oakes received the support of one delegate from Hartford. Lee Whitnum's name was not placed in nomination.Altimari Daniela Murphy Wins Democratic Endorsement For U.S. Senate http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-democratic-convention-senate-0513-20120511,0,3497389.story https://archive.today/20120907065205/http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-democratic-convention-senate-0513-20120511,0,3497389.story dead September 7, 2012 May 14, 2012 The Hartford Courant May 12, 2012 Endorsements 2 Chris Murphy Politicians Bill Clinton, 42nd president of the United Stateshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp9Y0RGel78 President Clinton Fires up Team Murphy - YouTube YouTube October 28, 2012 George Jepsen, Connecticut attorney general Kevin Lembo, Connecticut comptroller Dan Malloy, Connecticut governor Denise Merrill, Connecticut secretary of state Matthew Oakes, former U.S. Senate candidateLockhart Brian Oakes endorses Murphy over a beer, Star Trek novel http://blog.ctnews.com/politicalcapitol/2012/05/24/oakes-endorses-murphy-over-a-beer-star-trek-novel May 24, 2012 May 24, 2012 May 26, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120526135911/http://blog.ctnews.com/politicalcapitol/2012/05/24/oakes-endorses-murphy-over-a-beer-star-trek-novel/ dead Barack Obama, 44th president of the United Stateshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNL7_WTBui0 Partner - YouTube YouTube November 2, 2012 William Tong, state representative and former U.S. Senate candidate Nancy Wyman, Connecticut lieutenant governor Organizations AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations)http://ctsenate2012.nhregister.com/2012/06/26/afl-cio-convention-endorses-chris-murphy-chris-shays-tells-labor-he-backs-xl-keystone-pipeline/ AFL-CIO backs Murphy; Shays backs XL Keystone Pipeline CT Senate 2012 July 26, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20131228075418/http://ctsenate2012.nhregister.com/2012/06/26/afl-cio-convention-endorses-chris-murphy-chris-shays-tells-labor-he-backs-xl-keystone-pipeline/ December 28, 2013 dead mdy-all Connecticut High School Democrats NARAL Pro-Choice AmericaTerkel Amanda NARAL Endorses Chris Murphy In Connecticut Senate Race, Breaking With EMILY's List https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/09/naral-chris-murphy-connecticut-senate-emilys-list_n_1760219.html?1344530899 August 9, 2012 August 9, 2012 Huffington Post 2 Susan Bysiewicz EMILY's Listhttp://emilyslist.org/news/releases/emilys_list_endorses_susan_bysiewicz/EMILY%27s List December 30, 2017 October 11, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181011115530/https://emilyslist.org/news/releases/emilys_list_endorses_susan_bysiewicz/emily%27s dead Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SusanBysiewicz ChrisMurphy WilliamTong Other UndecidedPublic Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 400 ±4.9% 38% 40% — — 21%Quinnipiachttps://archive.today/20121212094150/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1284.xml?ReleaseID=1646&What=&strArea=;&strTime=0 Quinnipiac September 8–13, 2011 447 ±4.6% 26% 36% 1% 2% 35%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 400 ±4.9% 33% 39% 8% — 19%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac https://web.archive.org/web/20120322163812/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/connecticut/release-detail?ReleaseID=1724 March 22, 2012 March 14–19, 2012 640 ±3.9% 25% 37% 4% 5% 29%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac https://web.archive.org/web/20120927043533/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/connecticut/release-detail?ReleaseID=1758 September 27, 2012 May 29 – June 3, 2012 538 ±4.2% 20% 50% — 5% 24%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling July 26–29, 2012 400 ±4.9% 32% 49% — — 18% Results thumb|Results by county: #2c5aa0 Murphy—70–80% #3771c8 Murphy—60–70% #5f8dd3 Murphy—50–60% Democratic primary results Chris Murphy Democratic Party (United States) 89,283 67.4% Susan Bysiewicz Democratic Party (United States) 43,135 32.6% 132,418 100.0% Republican primary Candidates Declared Brian Hill, attorneyhttp://www.ctmirror.org/node/12902 Brian Hill for Senate, again The Connecticut Mirror June 11, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110722165001/http://www.ctmirror.org/node/12902 July 22, 2011 dead mdy-all Peter Lumaj, attorneyhttp://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Fairfield-lawyer-to-seek-U-S-Senate-seat-2284812.php Fairfield lawyer to seek U.S. Senate seat November 23, 2011 December 3, 2011 Connecticut Post Genevieve Reilly November 27, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111127043806/http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Fairfield-lawyer-to-seek-U-S-Senate-seat-2284812.php dead Linda McMahon, businesswoman and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2010https://www.rollcall.com/2011/09/19/mcmahon-jumps-in-for-second-senate-bid/ McMahon Jumps In for Second Senate Bid September 19, 2011 Roll Call Chris Shays, former U.S. representativehttp://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Hearst-exclusive-Former-U-S-Rep-Chris-Shays-2135649.php Hearst exclusive: Former U.S. Rep. Chris Shays to enter 2012 Senate race greenwichtime.com August 22, 2011 April 6, 2014 Neil Vigdor https://web.archive.org/web/20121018134153/http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Hearst-exclusive-Former-U-S-Rep-Chris-Shays-2135649.php October 18, 2012 live mdy-all https://www.rollcall.com/2011/08/22/ex-rep-shays-makes-senate-bid-official/ Ex-Rep. Shays Makes Senate Bid Official August 22, 2011 Roll Call Kie Westby, attorney Declined John Ratzenberger, actor Debates A debate sponsored by the Norwich Bulletin took place on April 19, 2012, with McMahon, Shays, Lumaj, Hill, and Westby in attendance.http://ctmirror.org/story/16075/gop-senate-debate-relies-familiar-songbook GOP Senate debate relies on familiar songbook April 19, 2012 April 23, 2012 CTMirror.org Mark Pazniokas The debate was not televised. The first televised debate took place on April 22, 2012, sponsored by WFSB.http://www.ctmirror.org/story/16096/gop-focus-electability-and-jobs A GOP debate focuses on electability, jobs and jabs April 22, 2012 April 23, 2012 CTMirror.org Mark Pazniokas https://web.archive.org/web/20120425100114/http://ctmirror.org/story/16096/gop-focus-electability-and-jobs April 25, 2012 dead All five candidates participated. Convention Delegates of the Connecticut Republican Party endorsed Linda McMahon at their state party convention held on May 18. McMahon was the choice of 730 delegates (60 percent), while Chris Shays won 389 delegates (32 percent), enough to qualify for the August 14 primary. Brian K. Hill, Peter Lumaj, and Kie Westby did not meet the 15 percent threshold necessary to automatically qualify for the primary, receiving the support of 62, 22, and 5 delegates, respectively.Keating Christopher Altimari Daniela McMahon Beats Shays 730-389 At GOP Convention; Primary Fight Looms http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-republican-convention-0519-20120518,0,3936727,full.story https://archive.today/20120722183700/http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-republican-convention-0519-20120518,0,3936727,full.story dead July 22, 2012 May 19, 2012 The Hartford Courant May 19, 2012 Hill pursued a post-convention attempt to petition his way onto the primary ballot, but fell short of the 8,319 signatures required, and suspended his campaign in June.Republican candidate Brian K. Hill suspends U.S. Senate campaign http://ctsenate2012.nhregister.com/2012/06/08/republican-candidate-brian-k-hill-suspends-u-s-senate-campaign/ June 15, 2012 New Haven Register June 8, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121227184311/http://ctsenate2012.nhregister.com/2012/06/08/republican-candidate-brian-k-hill-suspends-u-s-senate-campaign/ December 27, 2012 dead Endorsements 2 Chris Shays Politicians Penny Bacchiochi, Connecticut state representative from the 52nd districthttp://ctmirror.org/2012/03/29/electability-new-buzzword-us-senate-race/ 'Electability' the new buzzword in U.S. Senate race Mark Pazniokas March 29, 2012 CT Mirror Roy Blunt, U.S. senator (R-MO), and former congressman Sam Caligiuri, former state senator, and 2010 nominee for Connecticut's 5th congressional district/www.shaysforussenate.com/home/ Michael Fedele, former Connecticut lieutenant governor Mark Lauretti, mayor of Shelton, Connecticuthttps://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Shays-looks-forward-to-the-primary-3570119.php Shays looks forward to the primary Ken Dixon May 19, 2012 Connecticut Post December 28, 2022 December 28, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221228204753/https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Shays-looks-forward-to-the-primary-3570119.php dead John McCain, U.S. senator (R-AZ), and 2008 Republican presidential nomineehttps://secure.piryx.com/donate/ye5zs5l4/Shays-for-Senate/you-are-invited Account Closed - Piryx secure.piryx.com John McKinney, minority leader of the Connecticut Senate Dick Morris, political author and Fox News commentator who previously worked as a pollster, political campaign consultant, and general political consultant and former adviser to President Bill ClintonChristopher Shays Peter Schiff, economist noted for predicting the housing bubble, and 2010 Senate candidate Rob Simmons, former U.S. representative for Connecticut's 2nd congressional districthttp://www.rollcall.com/news/mcmahons_2010_foe_tells_her_hes_in_shays_corner-208325-1.html Linda McMahon's 2010 Foe Tells Her He's in Christopher Shays' Corner August 26, 2011 November 21, 2011 Roll Call Shira Toeplitz January 5, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120105120534/http://www.rollcall.com/news/mcmahons_2010_foe_tells_her_hes_in_shays_corner-208325-1.html dead Organizations AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) League of Conservation Votershttp://ctsenate2012.nhregister.com/2012/06/21/league-of-conservation-voters-action-fund-supports-chris-shays-and-chris-murphy/ Conservation group endorses Chris Shays and Chris Murphy CT Senate 2012 July 26, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120806074443/http://ctsenate2012.nhregister.com/2012/06/21/league-of-conservation-voters-action-fund-supports-chris-shays-and-chris-murphy/ August 6, 2012 dead mdy-all Newspapers The Norwich Bulletins editorial boardhttp://ameribornnews.com/blog/2012/07/norwich-bulletin-editorial-board-endorses-chris-shays-for-u-s-senate-republican-candidate/ Norwich Bulletin Editorial Board Endorses Chris Shays for U.S. Senate Republican Candidate Ameriborn News July 26, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120830213212/http://ameribornnews.com/blog/2012/07/norwich-bulletin-editorial-board-endorses-chris-shays-for-u-s-senate-republican-candidate/ August 30, 2012 dead 2 Linda McMahon Politicians Mark Boughton, mayor of Danbury and Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in 2010http://danbury.patch.com/articles/boughton-endorses-mcmahon-for-senate Boughton Endorses McMahon for Senate December 12, 2011 February 4, 2012 Danbury Patch Mark Langlois Organizations GOProudhttp://www.goproud.org/pages/news--press/2012/goproud-announces-u.s.-house-endorsements GOProud Announces U.S. House Endorsements - GOProud, Inc. October 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121025012745/http://www.goproud.org/pages/news--press/2012/goproud-announces-u.s.-house-endorsements October 25, 2012 2 Brian K. Hill Politicians Herman Cain, former CEO of Godfather's Pizza and former 2012 presidential candidate Organizations Republican Liberty Caucus Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror JasonMcCoy LindaMcMahon ChrisShays Other UndecidedQuinnipiacQuinnipiac https://web.archive.org/web/20120913071214/http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/connecticut/release-detail?ReleaseID=1646 September 13, 2012 September 8–13, 2011 332 ±5.4% — 50% 35% 2% 12%Public Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 400 ±4.9% 3% 60% 27% — 10%Quinnipiac March 14–19, 2012 429 ±4.7% — 51% 42% 1% 6%Quinnipiac May 29 – June 3, 2012 381 ±5.0% — 59% 30% 1% 9%Public Policy Polling July 26–29, 2012 400 ±4.9% — 68% 20% — 12% Results thumb|Results by county: #aa0000 McMahon—80–90% #d40000 McMahon—70–80% #cc2f4a McMahon—60–70% Republican primary results Linda McMahon Republican Party (United States) 83,413 72.7% Chris Shays Republican Party (United States) 31,305 27.3% 114,718 100.0% General election Candidates Linda McMahon (Republican, Independent), businesswoman and nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2010http://www.statementofvote-sots.ct.gov/StatementOfVote/WebModules/ReportsLink/CLNWUSSenView.aspx?Parameter=11%2F06%2F2012-General Archived copy April 16, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20141019140845/http://www.statementofvote-sots.ct.gov/StatementOfVote/WebModules/ReportsLink/CLNWUSSenView.aspx?Parameter=11%2F06%2F2012-General October 19, 2014 dead mdy-all Chris Murphy (Democratic, Working Families), U.S. representative Paul Passarelli (Libertarian) Campaign Susan Bysiewicz was the first to declare herself as a candidate.Pazniokas Mark Bysiewicz declares for US Senate http://ctmirror.org/story/11196/bysiewicz-declare-us-senate CT Mirror September 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110725213122/http://ctmirror.org/story/11196/bysiewicz-declare-us-senate July 25, 2011 dead mdy-all However, by March 2011, Chris Murphy had raised over $1 million to Bysiewicz's $500,000. Murphy had won election to Connecticut's 5th congressional district, which is considered Republican-leaning, and he promoted himself as the most electable candidate against a Republican challenger. Bysiewicz, the former secretary of state of Connecticut, enjoyed high name recognition while a statewide officeholder, and had a formidable face-off with Murphy. William Tong, a state representative, joined the race touting his biography as the son of Chinese immigrants working at a Chinese restaurant.https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/19/2012-connecticut-senate-lieberman_n_879995.html Huffington Post 2012 Connecticut Senate Race To Replace Joe Lieberman Gears Up June 19, 2011 In January East Hartford resident Matthew John Oakes announced his candidacy. Oakes pointed to his real-life experience being a disabled American, victim of crime, and civil rights activist, growing up in the inner city and being a political outsider.https://www.prlog.org/11776276-connecticut-resident-matthew-john-oakes-enters-us-senate-race.html Connecticut Resident Matthew John Oakes Enters U.S. Senate Race Connecticut for Matthew Oakes PRLog Wide speculation continued on Linda McMahon, who had lost in a widely publicized race for senator in 2010. She lost the election decisively, but had strong finances and a well-established political organization. McMahon met with her former campaign consultant to review her 2010 results, and said she was leaning towards running. She planned to make a decision regarding another run after the start of 2012. Former Congressman Chris Shays joined in August 2011, promoting his involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan's military contracting.http://www.greenwichtime.com/default/article/Hearst-exclusive-Former-U-S-Rep-Chris-Shays-2135660.php Hearst exclusive: Former U.S. Rep. Chris Shays entering 2012 Senate race Greenwich Time August 22, 2011 February 4, 2012 Neil Vigdor Shays campaign had also gained traction from a series of independent polls showing him beating or in a dead heat with the top Democratic contenders in the general election, while those same polls showed McMahon losing handily to each of the top Democratic contenders. The Shays campaign quickly capitalized on these polls, arguing for the former congressman's electability while questioning McMahon's electability due to her loss in an open Senate seat contest in 2010 by a large margin despite spending $50 million of her own money. The Shays campaign also cited her high unfavorable numbers among state voters, and the weak fundraising numbers of the McMahon campaign.http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2012/03/shays-cites-rea.php Shays Cites Reasons for Optimism in Race Against McMahon – Hotline On Call November 21, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20121018143158/http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2012/03/shays-cites-rea.php October 18, 2012 dead mdy-all In July 2012, Shays declared that he would not support McMahon if she won the primary. He said that he had "never run against an opponent that I have respected less—ever—and there are a lot of candidates I have run against," adding, "I do not believe that Linda McMahon has spent the time, the energy to determine what [being] a senator really means." He also said that during the last debate he had with McMahon, "I thought she was embarrassingly clueless... I think she is a terrible candidate and I think she would make a terrible senator." Although he said he would not support Chris Murphy, he expected him to win the Democratic nomination and the general election.http://ctsenate2012.nhregister.com/2012/07/21/chris-shays-says-he-wont-support-linda-mcmahon-if-she-wins-primary/ Chris Shays says he won't support Linda McMahon if she wins primary New Haven Register July 21, 2012 July 24, 2012 Mary E. O'Leary https://web.archive.org/web/20120722143826/http://ctsenate2012.nhregister.com/2012/07/21/chris-shays-says-he-wont-support-linda-mcmahon-if-she-wins-primary/ July 22, 2012 dead mdy-all In September 2012, the records of the McMahons' 1976 bankruptcy and specifics of nearly $1 million in unpaid debts from the proceeding were published.Reindl, JC, "Records: McMahons owed nearly $1 million in 1976 bankruptcy", The Day, September 18/19, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2016. Within days, the candidate and her husband announced the "intention to reimburse all private individual creditors that can be located".Altimari, Daniela, "McMahon To Repay Creditors From 1970s Bankruptcy", Hartford Courant, September 20, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2016. Debates Complete video of debate, October 7, 2012 Complete video of debate, October 11, 2012 Complete video of debate, October 16, 2012 Complete video of debate, October 18, 2012 Fundraising Candidate (party) Receipts Disbursements Cash on hand DebtChris Murphy (D) $10,543,456 $10,436,219 $107,239 $189,925Linda McMahon (R) $50,956,502 $50,262,442 $351,464 $1,250,000 Source: Federal Election Commissionhttp://www.fec.gov/disclosurehs/HSCandDetail.do 2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Connecticut MURPHY, CHRISTOPHER S Federal Election Commission fec.gov August 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120926014941/http://www.fec.gov/disclosurehs/HSCandDetail.do September 26, 2012 dead http://www.fec.gov/disclosurehs/HSCandDetail.do 2012 House and Senate Campaign Finance for Connecticut MCMAHON, LINDA Federal Election Commission fec.gov August 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120926014941/http://www.fec.gov/disclosurehs/HSCandDetail.do September 26, 2012 dead Top contributors Chris Murphy Contribution Linda McMahon Contribution Moveon.org $112,864 Morgan Stanley $31,050 Yale University $69,101 Linda McMahon for Senate $26,174 League of Conservation Voters $47,388 General Electric $24,250 Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder $44,916 Ott International $15,000 Travelers Companies $41,000 Thor Industries $12,500 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company $40,650 JPMorgan Chase & Co. $11,231 Sullivan & Cromwell $36,500 Ceci Brothers Inc. $10,000 Comcast Corporation $36,000 Invemed Associates $10,000 Shipman & Goodwin $35,511 Midstream Partners $10,000 Northeast Utilities $34,789 Tudor Investment Corporation $10,000 Source: OpenSecretshttp://www.opensecrets.org/races/contrib.php?cycle=2012&id=CTS1%7CMCMAHON,&spec=N Top Contributors 2012 Race: Connecticut Senate OpenSecrets Top industries Chris Murphy Contribution Linda McMahon Contribution Retired $1,041,795 Financial institutions $121,717 Lawyers/law firms $861,258 Retired $81,949 Financial institutions $580,370 Misc. business $55,302 Real estate $319,466 Manufacturing & distributing $46,500 Leadership PACs $302,500 Misc. finance $38,050 Insurance industry $302,025 Business services $28,932 Health professionals $285,150 Real estate $27,000 Democratic/Liberal $267,018 Republican/Conservative $25,630 Universities $232,951 Candidate committees $24,874 Business services $228,550 Lawyers/law firms $24,372 Source: OpenSecretshttp://www.opensecrets.org/races/indus.php?cycle=2012&id=CTS1%7CMCMAHON,&spec=N Top Industries 2012 Race: Connecticut Senate OpenSecrets Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report2012 Senate Race Ratings for November 1, 2012 https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139117 The Cook Political Report October 9, 2018 August 29, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180829035855/https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139117 dead Tossup November 1, 2012 Sabato's Crystal Ball2012 Senate http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2012-senate/ Sabato's Crystal Ball October 9, 2018 Lean D Flip November 5, 2012 Rothenberg Political Report2012 Senate Ratings http://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2012-senate-ratings-november-2-2012 Senate Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report October 9, 2018 Lean D Flip November 2, 2012 Real Clear Politics2012 Elections Map - Battle for the Senate 2012 https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/senate/2012_elections_senate_map.html Real Clear Politics October 9, 2018 Lean D Flip November 5, 2012 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ChrisMurphy (D) LindaMcMahon (R) Other UndecidedPublic Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 54% 38% — 9%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac September 8–13, 2011 1,230 ±2.8% 49% 38% — 11%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 592 ±4.0% 50% 43% — 6%Quinnipiac March 14–19, 2012 1,622 ±2.4% 52% 37% — 9%Quinnipiac May 29 – June 3, 2012 1,408 ±2.6% 46% 43% — 9%Public Policy Polling July 26–29, 2012 771 ±3.5% 50% 42% — 8%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports August 21, 2012 500 ±4.5% 46% 49% — 5%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling August 22–23, 2012 881 ±3.3% 48% 44% — 8%Quinnipiac August 22–26, 2012 1,472 ±2.6% 46% 49% — 4% Univ. of Connecticut/Hartford CourantUniv. of Connecticut/Hartford Courant September 11–16, 2012 517 ±4.0% 37% 33% 1% 28%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 24–26, 2012 801 ±3.5% 48% 42% — 10%Quinnipiac University PollQuinnipiac University Poll June 2023 InternetArchiveBot yes September 28 – October 2, 2012 1,696 ±2.5% 47% 48% — 5%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports October 7, 2012 500 ±4.5% 51% 46% 2% 1%Siena Research InstituteSiena Research Institute October 4–14, 2012 552 ±4.2% 46% 44% — 8%Univ. of Connecticut/Hartford CourantUniv. of Connecticut/Hartford Courant October 11–16, 2012 574 ±4% 44% 38% — 17%Public Policy Polling/LCVPublic Policy Polling/LCV October 15–16, 2012 1,015 ±3.1% 48% 44% — 8%Mason-DixonMason-Dixon October 15–17, 2012 625 ±4% 44% 44% — 12%SurveyUSASurveyUSA October 19–21, 2012 575 ±4.2% 47% 43% 3% 4%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports October 21, 2012 500 ±4.5% 48% 47% 2% 3%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac October 19–22, 2012 1,412 ±2.6% 49% 43% 1% 7%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports October 28, 2012 500 ±4.5% 51% 45% 1% 3%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling November 1–2, 2012 1,220 ±2.8% 52% 43% — 4% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); With Mark Boughton Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SusanBysiewicz (D) MarkBoughton (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 44% 34% 22% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ChrisMurphy (D) MarkBoughton (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 52% 29% 19% With Susan Bysiewicz Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SusanBysiewicz (D) LindaMcMahon (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 50% 39% 12%Quinnipiac September 8–13, 2011 1,230 ±2.8% 46% 38% 12%Public Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 592 ±4.0% 47% 46% 7%Quinnipiac March 14–19, 2012 1,622 ±2.4% 49% 39% 9%Quinnipiac May 29 – June 3, 2012 1,408 ±2.6% 42% 46% 9%Public Policy Polling July 26–29, 2012 771 ±3.5% 45% 42% 13% With Michael Fedele Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SusanBysiewicz (D) MichaelFedele (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 45% 35% 20% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ChrisMurphy (D) MichaelFedele (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 51% 29% 20% With Scott Frantz Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SusanBysiewicz (D) ScottFrantz (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 45% 30% 24% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ChrisMurphy (D) ScottFrantz (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 51% 27% 22% With Joe Lieberman Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror JoeLieberman (I) ChrisMurphy (D) PeterSchiff (R) UndecidedPublic Policy PollingPublic Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2010 810 ±3.4% 19% 39% 25% 17% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror JoeLieberman (I) ChrisMurphy (D) JodiRell (R) UndecidedResearch 2000Research 2000 January 11–13, 2010 600 ±4.0% 23% 25% 47% 2% 810 ±3.4% 33% 47% — 20%Public Policy Polling September 30 – October 2, 2010 810 ±3.4% 17% 37% 29% 17% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror JoeLieberman (I) NedLamont (D) JodiRell (R) UndecidedResearch 2000Research 2000 March 23–25, 2008 600 ±4.0% 25% 30% 42% 2%Research 2000Research 2000 September 8–10, 2009 600 ±4.0% 26% 26% 46% 2% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror JoeLieberman (I) NedLamont (D) AlanSchlesinger (R) UndecidedResearch 2000Research 2000 March 31 – April 2, 2008 600 ±4.0% 37% 51% 7% 5%Research 2000Research 2000 June 30 – July 2, 2008 600 ±4.0% 36% 51% 7% 6%Research 2000 November 11–13, 2008 600 ±4.0% 34% 59% 3% 2% With Chris Shays Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SusanBysiewicz (D) ChrisShays (R) UndecidedQuinnipiac September 8–13, 2011 1,230 ±2.8% 40% 42% 16%Public Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 592 ±4.0% 37% 48% 16%Quinnipiac March 14–19, 2012 1,622 ±2.4% 42% 43% 13%Quinnipiac May 29 – June 3, 2012 1,408 ±2.6% 40% 44% 11%Public Policy Polling July 26–29, 2012 771 ±3.5% 40% 43% 17% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ChrisMurphy (D) ChrisShays (R) UndecidedQuinnipiac September 8–13, 2011 1,230 ±2.8% 43% 37% 17%Public Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 592 ±4.0% 43% 39% 18%Quinnipiac March 14–19, 2012 1,622 ±2.4% 41% 40% 17%Quinnipiac May 29 – June 3, 2012 1,408 ±2.6% 45% 37% 15%Public Policy Polling July 26–29, 2012 771 ±3.5% 47% 38% 15% With Rob Simmons Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror SusanBysiewicz (D) RobSimmons (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 42% 39% 19%Public Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 592 ±4.0% 41% 42% 17% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror ChrisMurphy (D) RobSimmons (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling March 17–20, 2011 822 ±3.4% 49% 34% 18%Public Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 592 ±4.0% 45% 36% 20% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror WilliamTong (D) RobSimmons (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 592 ±4.0% 32% 39% 29% With William Tong Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror WilliamTong (D) LindaMcMahon (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 592 ±4.0% 38% 45% 17%Quinnipiac March 14–19, 2012 1,622 ±2.4% 39% 43% 9% Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Margin oferror WilliamTong (D) ChrisShays (R) UndecidedPublic Policy Polling September 22–25, 2011 592 ±4.0% 27% 46% 27%Quinnipiac March 14–19, 2012 1,622 ±2.4% 25% 50% 21% Results thumb|300px|County flips: Democratic #0671b0 Flip from Independent Republican #ca0120 Flip from Independent United States Senate election in Connecticut, 2012portal.ct.gov 11/06/2012-General Election Results Presidential Electors For https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/electionservices/electionresults/2012/2012electionresultspdf.pdf?la=en Democratic Party (United States) Chris Murphy 792,983 52.45% +12.72% Working Families Party Chris Murphy 35,778 2.37% N/A Total Chris Murphy 828,761 54.82% +15.09% Republican Party (United States) Linda McMahon 604,569 39.99% +30.37% Independent Party of Connecticut Linda McMahon 46,520 3.08% N/A Total Linda McMahon 651,089 43.07% +33.45% Libertarian Party (United States) Paul Passarelli 25,045 1.66% N/A 6,869 0.45% +0.45% 1,511,764 100.00% N/A Democratic Party (United States) Independent Democrat By county CountyChris Murphy DemocraticLinda McMahon RepublicanVarious candidates Other partiesTotal votes castFairfield202,53952.34%179,44046.37%4,9841.29%386,963Hartford224,18759.17%148,75439.26%5,9531.57%378,894Litchfield39,57744.28%48,31654.05%1,4921.67%89,385Middlesex43,59153.96%35,47443.91%1,7162.12%80,781New Haven199,77957.62%141,40840.78%5,5301.59%346,717New London60,59555.43%46,05642.13%2,6672.44%109,318Tolland35,78152.4%30,87745.22%1,6212.37%68,279Windham22,71250.97%20,76446.6%1,0822.43%44,558Total828,76154.82%651,08943.07%31,9142.11%1,511,764 Counties that flipped from Independent to Democratic Fairfield (largest town: Bridgeport) Hartford (largest town: Hartford) Middlesex (largest town: Middletown) New Haven (largest town: New Haven) New London (largest town: Norwich) Tolland (largest town: Vernon) Windham (largest town: Windham) Counties that flipped from Independent to Republican Litchfield (largest city: Torrington) By congressional district Murphy won all five congressional districts.https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/electionservices/statementofvote_pdfs/2012statementofvotebookpdf.pdf?rev=0d9de0974e144408a2c9df9e491f0e40&hash=248B5D1045C17789BB458F4861A5C327 Statement of Vote Secretary of the State of Connecticut May 15, 2025 live https://web.archive.org/web/20250317103629/https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/electionservices/statementofvote_pdfs/2012statementofvotebookpdf.pdf?rev=0d9de0974e144408a2c9df9e491f0e40&hash=248B5D1045C17789BB458F4861A5C327 2025-03-17 District Murphy McMahon RepresentativeConnecticut 1 1st 60% 39%John B. LarsonConnecticut 2 2nd 53% 45%Joe CourtneyConnecticut 3 3rd 60% 39%Rosa DeLauroConnecticut 4 4th 52% 46%Jim HimesConnecticut 5 5th 51% 48%Elizabeth Esty See also 2012 United States Senate elections 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Connecticut References External links Connecticut Secretary of State – Elections and Voting Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets Outside spending at the Sunlight Foundation Candidate issue positions at On the Issues Official campaign websites (archived) Linda McMahon for U.S. Senate Chris Murphy for U.S. Senate Category:2012 Connecticut elections Connecticut 2012