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.
When career politicians grow so accustomed to getting their way that they do not need to seriously listen to the other side of the aisle in Hartford, or Washington, then it is time to clean house! Politicians should pay attention and use good judgment in selecting the people around them. Anything less makes me question their ability to make good legislative decisions on behalf of the voters. Donovangate may hurt the Democrat Party but it will benefit the citizens of CT in the long run if we stop voting in career politicians.
Just another phoney Politician who very possibly will be voted in by the dumb voters of CT. They just don't know how to vote in anyone but a Democrat.
$70 million. Linda, as her countless TV commercials like to call her, spent $50 million in 2010, but she still lost to Ralph Blumental by 12 percentage points. In her second try for the Senate, she's spending huge sums to defeat Representative Christopher Murphy, But she can afford it. As former chief executive for World Wrestling Entertainment, she has bought (according to the N.Y. Times), a power boat she named "Sexy Bitch," a Vegas condo, a Boca condo, two Bentleys and an Aston Martin, three motorcycles and s $7 million Greenwich mansion. Now she's intent on buying a seat in the U.S. Senate. I ask you - is she for you? Alan Zimmerman