Senate candidates prep for vote tally

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The outcome Tuesday night will determine the final match-up in November to fill the US Senate seat being vacated by Joe Lieberman.

About 411,000 Connecticut voters are registered Republicans and about 720,000 are registered Democrats. However, just a small fraction of those voters will decide who we all get to chose from in November.

The secretary of the state says voter turnout in the primary appears to be on track to be in the range of 25 percent statewide.
      
That means that the Republican race for U.S. Senate between former WWE CEO Linda McMahon and former 4th District Congressman Chris Shays will be determined by about 100,000 voters.    
     
"I'm going to give Linda a chance," said Dottie Marino, "and like anything, if it doesn't work, we can vote them out the next time."
      
Many McMahon voters News 8 spoke with were a lot more enthusiastic about her.

"I'm going with Linda McMahon," said Maria Turner. "I just feel that Linda represents a little bit of all of us women."
     
Some of those voting for Shays appeared to voting more against McMahon than for him because of his experience in government.

"Chris Shay. I, Linda is a little too much," said Sis Orlander. "Bringing up 'her past but look at the future' she's had, I really don't care for, at all."
    
On the Democratic side, the outcome will be decided by about 180,000 voters.
    
Chris Murphy's experience in government appears to a plus to some voters.

"Murphy, just because he listens and plus; Susan Bysiewicz, she'd have quite a learning curve if she were to go to Washington and we don't need that in this economy," said Catherine Sperry.
       
But, at least in Middletown, Bysiewicz's hometown, she has strong support.

"Susan, I guess, she's from Middletown and her children go to the schools here," said Angela D'Aresta. "Seems like she'd be good to have here."

The other most closely watched races are in the 5th District with a three way race on the Democratic side and a four-way on the Republican side. That district could have the highest voter turn out.