It was not a surprise to see Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd jump ship and not run for re-election. Even with millions in his war chest to overcome his demise and blanket the state with cushy ads in his defense, Sen. Dodd chose to ride off into the sunset and retire. Nice move. I guess the Senator saw the writing on the wall that America has inscribed to many in government and realized his services are no longer needed.
His successor, or whom the media has crowned “Connecticut’s next Senator-elect” is nothing more than Dodd’s clone. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, is seen as Connecticut’s most viable candidate. Current polls have him way ahead of any competitors, but just ask the people in Massachusetts if polls are any indication of outcome.
Candidates Rob Simmons and Linda McMahon have other ideas and what better time to ride the storm of change. Both Republican candidates have the means and backing in a state that has been seeing red financially for a long time, but only one will get the nomination.
Rob Simmons is an experienced politician and war veteran who brings to the table a huge backing on the Republican side. His years with state and federal government as a Representative and CIA official offer him a firm advantage, but is this what Connecticut residents need?
The stigma of “career politician” puts Simmons at a disadvantage when the country is looking for new blood in this time of change. Great speeches and promises will not cut it anymore and voters are not listening. His experience is notable to the credulous voter and Washington is already filled with people like that.
In steps Linda McMahon. A successful businesswoman who experienced the ultimate highs and lows of the business world. McMahon has had it all, lost it all, and got it all back the old fashion way with tenacity and human spirit. McMahon knows business and pays the penalty every tax period as a result.
McMahon’s Reaganistic vision for the state could pull her over the top if she sticks to her conservative guns and does not give in just to get elected. She is the quiet candidate who is gaining ground with all parties, but you won’t hear that in the media. Dubbed the “Smack Down Lady” by some reports, her affiliation as former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment might hurt her chances if the media in this blue state has its way. The branding of products and people can be a double edge sword if marketed correctly.
My guess in this heated election is McMahon pulls off a stunning upset because voters want business experience to fix the mess created by career politicians. The only advice I can offer McMahon is to dump the tour bus, buy a pickup and leave the press at home. As we just saw last week in Massachusetts, voters are fed up with photo-ops and cushy speeches and will vote on principles instead of promises.
Jerry Scott Maldonado is the author of the soon to be published “Columns, Quotes & The American Dream.” He is a featured columnist for The D.C.G. Network of news sites: Sundaynewscape.com, Onequestionnews.com and Imperialvalleynews.com. Jerry’s work has also been featured internationally.