Sen. Joseph Lieberman announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2012, and that has set off a flurry of activity from politicians who may want to take his place.
Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz was the first to officially throw her hat in the ring, announcing her run for U.S. Senate Tuesday ahead of Lieberman's announcement. "I'm running for United States Senate because I want to make our state a place where young people can find a good job," Bysiewicz said.
Linda McMahon, who lost an expensive 2010 senate race to Richard Blumenthal, released a statement just an hour after Lieberman's remarks. "While running for the U.S. Senate in 2012 remains an option for me, I will spend the next few months focusing on how I can best serve the people of Connecticut," said McMahon.
The former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO spent $50 Million of her own money during her unsuccessful campaign, but some political insiders believe she is the obvious Republican choice for the seat in 2012. Blogger Kevin Rennie, who was first to report Lieberman's plans to retire, says McMahon has the money, the means and now the campaign experience to be the GOP front-runner.
Two Connecticut Democratic Congressmen also began jockeying for position following Lieberman's announcement. "I've decided to run for the United States Senate in 2012 because I believe that I can be a stronger voice for the issues that matter to Connecticut, like creating jobs and ending these costly wars, in the Senate," Fifth District Congressman Chris Murphy said.. He planned on making a formal announcement Thursday afternoon in his hometown of Cheshire.
"Over the past few months, people from across Connecticut whose advice I respect have encouraged me to consider a senate run. I am seriously considering that challenge," 3rd District Congressman Joe Courtney said Wednesday.
Republican Tom Foley, who came within a few thousand votes of winning the 2010 Governor's race, said he hasn't ruled out running. "I really haven't given much thought to running," Foley said. "I just hope the Republican party gets together and finds the candidate who has the best shot and I hope to be a part of it."
