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New Poll Shows Linda McMahon Running Strong

HARTFORD, CT (WCBS 880) - Connecticut U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon is scoring high with her conservative base.

WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau On The Story

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Early numbers from Public Policy Polling show her blasting former U.S. Rep. and fellow Republican Chris Shays by a margin of 60 to 27 percent.

University of Connecticut political professor Ken Dautrich is not surprised.

"Chris Shays is very moderate and not a darling to conservative Republicans," he said.

He believes Shays, needs to start hammering the message now that, as a moderate, he's got the draw necessary to win the general election against the Democratic contender.

"I think if Shays can effectively send a message to Republicans that  he can win against Chris Murphy and McMahon can't win, which is a very logical argument that he can make, if he effectively does that, then he certainly can win the nomination," Dautrich told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.

While McMahon is already up and running, Shays will wait until January to make his official announcement that he is seeking Sen. Joe Lieberman's seat.

Rep. Chris Murphy and former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz are expected to vie for the Democratic nomination for the seat.

McMahon lost her last bid for U.S. Senate to then state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. She announced this run on September 20.

Who do you think the most viable candidates are for U.S. Senate in Connecticut? Sound off in the comments section below!

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