Senate:  Christopher Dodd is the sitting Democratic senator up for re-election next year.  One might suspect with five terms under his belt in a solid blue state, that his re-election is secure.  That would not be the case, however.  Senator Dodd's role in the recent financial fiasco and his part in writing huge bonuses for AIG executives into this year's stimulus package have damaged him politically.  Unfortunately, he also faces a formidable Republican in his quest for a sixth term.  GOPer Rob Simmons served as congressman from Connecticut's 2nd district for 6 years before being unseated in the blue wave election of 2006.  He's back to contest for Dodd's seat.  Early polls indicate he's the frontrunner in this race.  He'll start off here as the author of a Weak GOP Gain.

Governor:  After Republican John Rowland's resignation in 2004, his Lt. Governor, Jodi Rell, so impressed Connecticut voters that she won election in her own right in 2006 by a nearly two-to-one margin.  Her recent decision to retire in 2011 moves this race from a no-brainer GOP retention to an obvious Democratic takeover.  Several Democrats have lined up pick this low-hanging fruit.  That group includes millionaire and failed 2006 Senate candidate Ned Lamont.  As you'll remember, he won the Democratic primary that year, beating seating senator and recent independent, Joe Lieberman.  Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut's Secretary of State, will give Lamont a tough run for his money - pun intended.  The race between these two will most likely produce Connecticut's next governor.  I'm predicting a relatively easy Democratic victory in November - let's call it a Mod DEM Gain for now.

There aren't any hotly contested congressional districts in Connecticut this year now that the legacy Republicans have all been defeated.  Check the Connecticut State Page for more details on all the races.

Next stop:  Delaware.



Filed under:  Connecticut  CT Senate  CT Governor