Community Corner

Survey: McMahon Leads GOP Primary, Dems Still Win

A Quinnipiac poll breaks down the U.S. Senate race and Republican presidential primary.

A poll shows Linda McMahon leads former U.S. Rep Christopher Shays by a 51-42 margin, but falters against Democrats compared to her opponent.

In the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, U.S. Rep. Christopher Murphy, D-5, leads with 37 of the vote, followed by former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz with 25 percent and State Rep. William Tong with 4 percent.

Polling results for possible November matchups:

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  • Murphy tops McMahon 52 – 37 percent;
  • Murphy gets 41 percent to Shays’ 40 percent;
  • Bysiewicz beats McMahon 49 – 39 percent;
  • Shays gets 43 percent to Bysiewicz’ 42 percent;
  • McMahon leads Tong 43 – 39 percent;
  • Shays tops Tong 50 – 25 percent.

“Congressman Christopher Shays has narrowed the gap with Linda McMahon from 15 points to 9 points.  The question is whether he can catch up by primary day, August 14,” said Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz. “In general election matchups, Shays runs neck and neck with either Congressman Christopher Murphy or Susan Bysiewicz, while McMahon trails both of them by double digits."

The candidates are seeking the soon-to-be vacated seat of Joseph Lieberman. Voters approve 51–-38 percent of the job he is doing and approve 64–23 percent of Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

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Presidential Primary

The GOP presidential primary is and the Quinnipiac poll shows Mitt Romney ahead by a large margin.

  • 42 percent for Romney
  • 19 percent for Rick Santorum
  • 13 percent for Next Gingrich
  • 9 percent for Ron Paul

Incumbent Barack Obama is polling ahead of Romney 53-37 percent.


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