Women voters a key to winning Conn. Senate race

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Republican Linda McMahon and Democrat Chris Murphy are counting on support from female voters as a key to winning Connecticut's open Senate seat.

Recent polls show Murphy, the 5th Congressional District congressman, with the edge with female voters.

But McMahon, a former professional wrestling executive, has devoted more than a year to making inroads with women following a 2010 Senate race loss.

Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz credits McMahon's efforts to improve her standing with women for the race being so close. He says Democrats typically have the advantage among women.

Murphy is holding a rally in Hartford on Tuesday to highlight his record on women's issues. Several top women officials, including Sens. Barbara Mikulski, Mary Landrieu and Jeanne Shaheen are expected to be on hand.