By Matthew Koos ’13

The Basics:

This week, we will take a look at the heated race in Connecticut, where World Wrestling Entertainment’s co-founder Linda McMahon (R) is battling Congressman Chris Murphy (D) for the Senate seat left by the soon- to- be retired Joe Lieberman (I).

McMahon and her husband, Vince, founded the WWE, a popular wrestling organization, in the 1980s and accumulated a net worth of over $1 billion. She served as business manager, president and CEO until 2009, when she made her first run for Senate. She lost to Richard Blumenthal (D) by 11 points. She bills herself as a businesswoman rather than a politician.

Rep. Murphy spent much of his career in politics. He was first elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1999 at the age of 25, where he spent two terms. After a stint in the state senate, Murphy was elected to Connecticut’s5th Congressional seat in 2007. If he wins, he will be the Senate’s only member under 40 years old.

Why You Should Care:

Connecticut, generally considered a blue state, hasn’t had a Republican in the Senate since 1989. But that could easily change on November 6. Rasmussen Reports’s latest poll (Oct 7) showed Murphy holding a five point lead. However, Quinnipiac University’s poll (Oct 2) shows McMahon with a slight edge.

The amount of money McMahon has spent is remarkable. McMahon has spent more than $16 million of her own money, roughly three times more than Murphy. McMahon spent over $50 million of her own money in 2010, although this year’s race is much closer.

Both Republicans and Democrats want this seat. Lieberman was an Independent but voted Democratic on most issues. Republicans see this as an opportunity to steal a seat in a blue state.

Bottom Line:

This is a very important race to watch, with major implications in the political dogfight over the Senate. It is hard to gaugefrom any poll how it will turn out, but it should be closer than any poll currently shows.