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Newley-elected Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy celebrates his win over Republican Linda McMahon in Hartford, Conn., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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GOP future hopes to win Conn. Senate seat grow dim

Updated: Sunday, 11 Nov 2012, 12:53 PM EST
Published : Sunday, 11 Nov 2012, 12:53 PM EST

By SUSAN HAIGH, Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut Republicans might have missed their two best opportunities in years to win a U.S. Senate seat, with the election of Democrats Richard Blumenthal in 2010 and now Chris Murphy.

Given Murphy's age -- he's only 39 -- and Blumenthal's strong popularity in the state, it could be a long time before the GOP has another chance at winning an open seat.

Former Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd served 30 years before he retired in 2011. Sen. Joe Lieberman, a longtime Democrat who became an independent, will have served a total of 24 years when he retires in January.

Republican Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton contends the GOP didn't really have great opportunities to win in 2012 and 2010. Both candidates beat wealthy Republican wrestling executive Linda McMahon to take their seats.