In Colorado, the fate of Democratic incumbent Michael Bennet hangs in the balance.  The partial-term senator is facing a strong challenge from Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff.  Recent polling shows the race to be a toss-up, probably not a good sign for the Bennet.  On the Republican side, former Lt. Governor Jane Norton and DA Ken Buck are also in a toss-up contest.  Buck is the Tea Party favorite and may benefit from voter enthusiasm.

Moving from the Rockies to the Northeast, we check in on the Nutmeg State.  Connecticut has one of the more intriguing candidates of the cycle in wrestling executive Linda McMahon.  Though she received enough support at the Republican convention earlier this year to garner the Senate nomination, two other GOP hopefuls qualified for the primary ballot.  Polls show McMahon to be the prohibitive favorite, however.  In the gubernatorial race, close primary contests await in both parties.  Former Senate nominee Ned Lamont appears to be a few points ahead of Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy on the Democratic ballot, while former ambassador Republican Tom Foley's double-digit lead has shrunk considerably of late as Lt. Governor Michael Fedele has made a late charge.  Fedele now looks to be within striking distance though Foley still holds a small advantage.

The last primary to cover is in Minnesota.  Just this week, I had to change the preliminary projection on the governor's race from Weak GOP Hold to Weak DFL Gain because of former Senator Mark Dayton's large lead in the polls.  He should win the Democratic nomination without problem and looks poised to best presumptive GOP nominee Tom Emmer in the general.

Finally, Georgia Republicans will choose between Former GA Secretary of State Karen Handel and Former Congressman Nathan Deal to be their nominee in the gubernatorial race.  Former Governor Roy Barnes awaits the winner.  Recent polls have been neck-and-neck.  Who wins is anybody's guess right now, but general elections polls show Deal to be the stronger candidate against Barnes in November.



Filed under:  Colorado  Connecticut  Minnesota  Georgia  CO Senate  MN Governor  GA Governor