McMahon, Murphy clash over US defense spending

GROTON, Conn. (AP) — The rivals for Connecticut's open U.S. Senate seat are clashing over spending on U.S. defense, an industry that accounts for roughly a tenth of the state's economy.

Former wrestling executive Linda McMahon, the Republican nominee, says that she would try to shield the Pentagon from any budget cuts. On a visit Wednesday to greet workers at Electric Boat in Groton, she challenged the defense record of her opponent, U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy.

The Democratic congressman supports some defense cuts as part of a larger strategy to rein in the federal deficit.

Murphy touts longstanding support for military contractors, particularly Electric Boat, and his campaign said McMahon's plan would jeopardize defense funding for Connecticut by swelling the deficit.