The race for the 5th Congressional District has arguably been the most contested political race in Connecticut this year.
There are multiple candidates on both sides of the aisle competing for an open seat in the U.S. House of Representatives that has been held by a Democrat since 2006. Chris Murphy fended off three Republican challengers since first getting elected that year, further solidifying Congressional Democrats’ hold over all of Connecticut.
But just this week, the Rothenberg Political Report dropped its rating for the 5th Congressional District from “Leans Democrat” to “Toss-Up/Tilts Democrat,” according to CTMirror.org.
The reason? The Mirror points right to Connecticut House Speaker Chris Donovan, whose campaign has been under major scrutiny since it was subject to a federal investigation involving a misuse of campaign funds.
An investigation concluded that he wasn't personally involved, however seven people have since been indicted in an . One person has also since pleaded guilty.
Apart from having to fend off political attacks from his Republican challengers, Donovan has also been the subject of criticism from the two other Democrats — Elizabeth Esty and Dan Roberti — who are vying for the 5th District seat in an Aug. 14 primary.
Furthermore, some Democratic town committees — — are dropping support of Donovan in his bid for Congress, despite the fact that he’s the endorsed candidate.
With the bad publicity hitting the Donovan campaign over the past month, is it possible his race could bring down some Democrats’ chances at victory in November? Last year, Chris Shays when Linda McMahon ran for U.S. Senate in 2010: her presence on the Republican ticket allegedly brought down the chances of victory for other Republicans — like gubernatorial challenger Tom Foley.
Could Donovan’s campaign troubles do the same for other Democrats like Chris Murphy’s chances at the U.S. Senate? Or Jim Himes’ chances at re-election in the moderate 4th Congressional District? Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comments.
The 5th District's will still have a Democrat in the Congressional seat. This is such a blue state that I don't think it will affect other Congressional or Senate races. Chris Donovan has planty of campaign money and Union support will enable him to win this Congressional seat. Connecticut has not elected a Republican senator since 1970 , some 42 years ago when Lowell Weiker was the last Republican senator. All five Congressional seats and both Senate seats will be held by Democrats.