Thirty million dollars. Fifty million. One hundred million. What’s the difference? Linda McMahon can spend any amount on a campaign and it becomes overkill. The McMahon forces are already trying to recast the wrestling queen as a kinder, softer, reasonable, consensus-building Republican in her latest quest for U.S. senate after losing to Dick Blumenthal last year.
Here’s why she will not defeat in a GOP primary former Congressman Christopher Shays, who owns a condo in Bridgeport, assuming he gets in the race for U.S. senate in 2012. More than 40 percent of registered Republicans live in Connecticut’s 4th and 5th congressional districts where Shays either represented voters or they recognize him from media overflow. In addition, a whole bunch of GOP political operatives who supported McMahon last year will gravitate to Shays because he’ll make a stronger general-election candidate.
Political strategists such as Hartford lobbyist Pat Sullivan will be happy to take McMahon’s money. They’ll make a fortune but it will be another loss even if they can find a way to slip her into the general election. McMahon’s profile will never appeal to female voters because the opposition will always be there to remind them of the professional ick factor she really represents.
For me, McMahon is sooo–negative. For me, it’s Shays in a heartbeat!
Shays’ greatest challenges are expanding his name beyond Fairfield County and showing an ability to raise significant bucks to be competitive in a primary.
Shays is a RINO who would be no better than Lieberman. The best candidate for the GOP would be Tom Foley, who narrowly lost to Malloy in the Governor’s race.
Shays’ hands are still dripping with American blood from the Bush/Shays Iraq war.
He had more trips to Iraq than coffee breaks at Harborview Market.
The new BILLBOARD: ANYONE BUT SHAYS!
Jimfox, I agree with you, but Shays was running with the right wing at the end of career. Shays and Lieberman both stayed too long in office and their voting record became a disgrace as they both changed. Chris and Joe, enjoy the money you will make and stop hurting those of us in Connecticut.
Tom is a very good candidate. I was under the impression we were discussing just the two. How’s the campaign going, Tom? Need a Spanish-speaking person to help you in PT or the Towers, let me know.
Joel, you’re in!
This country and state are in a financial crisis. McMahon is a business person who knows how to profit in an environment not conducive for total success. I question if her effort is one of disgust with the current situation or a sense of “I am entitled since I put up the fight and money last time.”
Shays owes an apology to every citizen in Bridgeport and the surrounding area. I know for a fact it was he who blocked 6,000-8,000 entry-level jobs in the city. A direct quote from him was “Why should I make these guys millionaires? What’s in it for me.” The only thing this “human” has done in his life was feed at the public trough and sell real estate.
When the State and Country are in a financial crisis they need a financial expert, not a show woman or a racist thief. There is a person in this City who has government experience and is a financial expert. Mr. Walker has the expertise for both jobs and his primary concern is and has been the betterment of the people.
charlie, Mr. Walker would be an excellent candidate. I understand he worked very closely with Shays and they have a good personal relationship. Thing is, Mr. Walker needs to build his name recognition and that takes lots of time and money. If Mr. Walker can’t come up with the necessary money, he would have to do lots and lots of ‘Walking’ in the district and that alone would kill all his time.
Joel:
He can come up with the money which could be used for name recognition. I would find it difficult to believe Walker could not carry Bridgeport since Shays stabbed it in the back. Shays is a very low form of human garbage.
*** Shays hands down or is it smack down? *** RAW ***
I’ve the distinct opportunity to have met and gotten to know both Linda McMahon (still have that blackmail photo, Lennie?) and Christopher Shays. Linda’s camp wouldn’t even answer calls and the idea of setting up a headquarters in Bridgeport, well, was just not in their plans. The last time and the longest period I spent with Shays was when he had the debate in Stamford. He said to his wife to go along with the rest of her group and told her he would drive back with me to Bridgeport. He asked questions about us as opposed to Linda telling us about her. As a Democrat I’d never voted against him and I don’t see any reason why I should in the future. Go Shays!