Could Democrats have a liability in the performance of their candidate in the Connecticut Senate race, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal — even though he is currently way ahead in the polls?
The New York Times reports that some Dems are worried about Blumenthal’s rusty campaign showing so far, as exhibited by long-winded answers and a few gaffes – with some even calling him “Martha Coakley in pants.” For example, his performance in a recent debate with his obscure Dem primary opponent was widely panned, and he has ruled out having another debate. He has not had a tough race since his first election as attorney general in 1990, and this year he could have to work for it.
For now, it doesn’t seem like Blumenthal is in any real danger. The TPM Poll Average has him leading the frontrunner for the GOP nomination, former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon, by 57.0%-32.5%. Then again, Martha Coakley initially led Scott Brown in the Massachusetts special Senate election. And this is expected to be a tough year for Democrats.
Here is one example from the Times article:
Still, his halting style as he pursues the Senate seat is striking.
In an interview last week, Mr. Blumenthal took nearly 10 minutes to answer a question about why, aside from personal ambition, he wanted to be a senator, using much of that time to say why the job of attorney general had been a “perfect fit” for his skill set and passions. He eventually got across that he hoped to advance in the Senate the causes he has pursued as attorney general by changing federal law.
“But this is kind of a long-winded answer and not a terribly cogent one,” he acknowledged, unprompted.
Late Update: Blumenthal spokesperson Maura Downes gave TPMDC this comment: “The attorney general is very gratified by the strong support that he has seen around the state. This campaign is taking absolutely nothing for granted. We’re working very hard every day to reach out to the voters of Connecticut, hear what their issues are, explain what Dick wants to do for them as their United States Senator, and ask them for their votes come November.”
