Blumenthal Flap Could Help Republican Senate Race

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal’s “misplaced words” may give Connecticut Republicans a leg up in the US Senate Race.  Blumenthal, the leading Democratic candidate, has admitted he misspoke about his record of military service. 

A New York Times report revealed that, on more than one occasion, Attorney General Blumenthal said he’s served in VietNam.  In fact, he obtained at least five deferments and served stateside in the Marine Reserve.  Blumenthal admits the error, which says occurred only a handful of times.  

Scott McLean, political science professor at Quinnipiac University says the controversy is bound to affect the Senate race. "It will actually have more impact I think on the Republican battle for the nomination, because now Blumenthal looks vulnerable..someone maybe they can beat."

The Democratic convention takes place this weekend, and Howard Reiter, political science professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut says there’s no time for Democrats  to do much.  "Nobody else has really been talked about for the nomination, so I think the Democrats are just going to have to make the best of it."

Republican candidate Linda McMahon’s campaign claimed to have tipped the Times off to the Blumenthal story.  But both analysts say the controversy may end up strengthening MaMahon’s Republican rival Rob Simmons.  Simmons served in VietNam and earned two Bronze Star Medals.  

For WNPR, I'm Diane Orson.