Poll Shows Dodd's Retirement Strengthens Democrats' Hold on His Seat

2 years ago

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Connecticut's popular Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who quickly announced his candidacy after Sen. Christopher Dodd decided not to seek another term, appears to have solidified the Democrat's hold on the seat with Blumenthal running ahead of the three Republican hopefuls for the job, according to a Public Policy Polling survey conducted Jan. 4-5.

Blumenthal enjoys leads of two-to-one or better against any of the Republicans while Dodd trailed one candidate, tied another and had a modest lead over a third. Other polls had shown Dodd in even worse shape.

In the survey which was conducted before Dodd's retirement announcement, Blumenthal bested Linda McMahon, the former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment, by 60 percent to 28 percent with 12 percent undecided. He led economist and commentator Peter Schiff by 62 percent to 23 percent with 14 percent undecided. He ran ahead of former Rep. Rob Simmons 59 percent to 28 percent with 13 percent undecided.

Blumenthal is regarded far more positively by voters than Dodd. Fifty-nine percent disapproved of Dodd's performance compared to 29 percent who approved, with 14 percent undecided. Fifty-nine percent had a favorable opinion of Blumenthal while 19 percent saw him unfavorably and 22 percent were undecided.

Filed Under: Senate, Polls, Poll Watch, 2010 Elections

Tagged: Christopher Dodd, ChristopherDodd, Connecticut Senate Race, ConnecticutSenateRace, Linda McMahon, LindaMcmahon, Peter Schiff, PeterSchiff, Richard Blumenthal, RichardBlumenthal, Rob Simmons, RobSimmons

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