Connecticut GOP Delegates Pick Candidates for U.S. Senate, Congress

Connecticut Republican delegates picked their candidates for U.S. Senate and Congress Monday night.

State Representative Dan Carter wrapped up the convention with 77 percent of the delegates voting for him to face off with Senator Richard Blumenthal in November.

Carter said his experience means he can handle a race against Blumenthal, but with high voter turnout expected in November, conventional wisdom said Carter faces an uphill battle.

"People have reached a point where they're just fed up with the nonsense. So while it's a traditional presidential year, it's a nontraditional election, and I think my voice and my message is going to resonate with a lot of those supporters,” said Carter.

The presidential race also managed to weave itself into Monday night's convention. The question on the minds of many is how Donald Trump will affect the chances for Republicans in Connecticut.

"I would said there are people who vote for or against me, or anybody, based on Trump. There's no question about it," said Carter.

"So much of this election year is going to depend on the race at the top," said Larry Kudlow.

Kudlow is a CNBC commentator and considered a run for U.S. Senate against Blumenthal. He spoke at the convention and said it's time for a change and that Trump can help with that.

"A lot of very smart people in Washington think I'm nuts, that Trump is going to hurt everybody. I don't believe that for a minute. They missed the primary outcome, they're going to miss the general election outcome too," said Kudlow.

For the Congressional seats, U.S. Rep. John Larson will face off against Matthew Corey. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney will face off against Daria Novak. U.S. Rep. Jim Hines will face off against State Rep. John Shaban. U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro will face off against Angel Cadena, Jr. And U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty will face off against Sherman 1st Selectman Clay Cope.

The Connecticut Democratic Party released this statement following the Connecticut Republican convention:

"Despite Donald Trump's promises to tear families apart by deporting 11 million immigrants, ban an entire religion from entering our country, and punish women for exercising their right to choose, Republican Senate nominee Dan Carter has pledged to support Trump and his bombastic policies and rhetoric. I want to be clear, the Trump-Carter agenda is not just out of touch; it's dangerous.

"Dick Blumenthal has spent the past six years fighting for Connecticut's veterans, communities, and middle class families in the Senate. He is Connecticut's champion, and the Connecticut Democratic Party stands ready to defend his stellar record of public service."

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