Primary election day across Connecticut

(WTNH) -- Primary voters head to the polls today to decide on the candidates for a couple of big races in Connecticut.

The polls opened at 6:00 a.m. There are a bunch of local and state legislature races, primaries in the 2nd District and 5th District Congressional races, but it's the race to replace Sen. Joe Lieberman that is getting the most attention.

On the Republican side, you've got former pro wrestling executive Linda McMahon taking her second run at a senate seat, versus the former longtime Congressman Chris Shays trying to get back into politics after he lost his seat in the house 4 years ago.

LINK: Republicans battle for senate seat

On the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Murphy is giving up his seat in the house to run for the senate. He is up against Susan Bysiewicz, who spent years as secretary of the state then dabbled at running for governor and attorney general.

LINK: Democratic candidates prep for primary

Because Murphy is not running for the house, that leaves his 5th Congressional District seat open. Democrats have three candidates to pick from, including state Rep. Chris Donovan, Elizabeth Esty and Dan Roberti.

LINK: 3-way democratic race for congress heats up

There are four names on the Republican primary ballot; Justin Bernier, Mark Greenberg, Andrew Roraback and Lisa Wilson-Foley.

LINK: Republican race for congress heats up

As voters go to the polls there's a hearing scheduled on a lawsuit challenging the order of the candidates on the ballot in November. Republicans say their candidates, not Democrats, should be on the top line of the statewide ballot in November even though Democrat Dannel Malloy won the 2010 governor's race.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill calls the lawsuit "a distraction and a waste of taxpayer money."

LINK: Merrill calls Conn. GOP lawsuit 'regretable'

Turnout is not expected to be high for the primary. Only voters who are registered with the Republican or Democratic party can vote today.

The polls close at 8:00 p.m. WTNH.com and News 8 will have updates throughout the day. Get the results as fast as they come in on WTNH.com and onpolitix.com .