McMahon surges ahead in QU poll

Hamden, Conn. (WTNH) - A new Quinnipiac poll shows a big shift among Republicans in the U.S. Senate race.

Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, now leads former congressman Rob Simmons by 10 points, 44 percent to 34 percent. In January, Simmons was ahead 37-percent to 27-percent for McMahon.

Read more about the QU poll

McMahon has elevated her name recognition to the same level as Simmons with a barrage of television commercials and direct mail brochures.

"The biggest movement for McMahon came among conservatives, who she's doing very well among right now. She's doing well among Tea Party supporters, and especially women," said Doug Schwartz, Quinnipiac University.

But McMahon trails the expected Democratic nominee, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, 61 to 28 percent, even among Republicans.

"It's going to be very difficult for any opponent of his to raise his negatives. His approval rating is close to 80 percent, which is a phenomenal approval rating," Schwartz said.

In addition to spending millions of her own money to market herself, McMahon has also been willing to spend her own personal energy visiting Republican Town Committees all over the state.