Republicans battle for senate seat

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- One of the biggest races News 8 is tracking is for the US Senate, and the seat being vacated by Joe Lieberman. The Republicans running for this seat are former WWE Executive Linda McMahon and former 4th District Congressman Chris Shays.

One of former Congressman Chris Shays last campaign stops Monday was to Oscar's Deli on Main Street in Westport; a place he said has good "karma."

It was 25 years ago this month that Shays, a huge underdog, celebrated his victory in a special election for Congress with a personal call from President Reagan.

He may be one of the few political watchers in the state that thinks he can win Tuesday.

"My opposition is trying to say I'm too far behind...don't bother," said Shays. "If they come out and vote, I win."

Linda McMahon's campaign shifted gears in the last few days. They've been concentrating on the final election and likely Democratic winner Chris Murphy, but now they are urging Republican voters to come out for the primary, with an incredible force of volunteers and paid staff working non-stop since the weekend.

"We have run a very strong campaign, a grassroots campaign, we're out every day meeting the public," said McMahon.

"I believe that my supporters are far more energized than my opponent's supporters," said Shays. "She thinks that she can buy an election with $65 million and I think I can win this election with the experience that I have to offer."

However, the legs were literally pulled out from under Shays candidacy earlier this summer when a Quinnipiac University poll showed that McMahon was way ahead, and she was within striking distance of the Democrats.

Shays strongest argument had been that previous polling had showed him the more formidable candidate in the fall.

"I think I'm in a dead heat," Shays said, "I think it all depends who comes out to vote and I'm asking people in Connecticut to make history."

McMahon has been advertising on local broadcast television for months; Shays was unable to raise enough money to do any local broadcast television advertising.