The Congressman running for senate says his party shouldn't let Linda McMahon buy the U.S. Senate seat.
By Fred Musante

U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy of Cheshire stopped in Milford and other communities recently to accept endorsements from mayors and state legislators for his bid for the Democratic nomination for the Senate.

Murphy, currently the 5th District congressman, and former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz are vying to be the Democratic Party’s candidate to run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, who is retiring.

Former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon and former 4th District Congressman Christopher Shays are in a contest for the Republican nomination to run for the seat.

Murphy said this election would be about whether there would be a "vibrant, productive" middle class, or if the country would end up as a nation "with 5 percent haves and 95 percent have-nots." It would also be about the role of government in achieving it.

He criticized the Republicans for wanting to privatize Social Security and Medicare, something he said he "shudders" to think about.

Murphy said he anticipated that McMahon would use her personal wealth to get the Republican nomination and then attempt to use it to win the election. He said he was sure McMahon would outspend him and was counting on Democrats like those in Milford to work hard to win Connecticut’s senate seat and keep her from "buying" it.

In Milford, Murphy received the endorsement of Mayor Ben Blake, then continued to Hamden where he was endorsed by Mayor Scott Jackson. Earlier in the afternoon, he stopped in New Haven at the home of 3rd District U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro where he received endorsements from several state legislators.

Candidate supports Elizabeth Esty's congressional run. By Leslie Hutchison

Fifth district candidate Elizabeth Esty of Cheshire received an endorsement Thursday from a former opponent in the congressional race.

Mike Williams of New Preston, said Esty's experience as a lawyer and state representative gives her the experience to be a strong member of Congress. Esty was also a member of the Cheshire Town Council.

“Elizabeth has proven that she is committed to working with other elected representatives to pull our economy out of its downward spiral by creating middle class jobs, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of critical programs such as Social Security and Medicare," Williams said in a statement released Thursday.

Esty said she is honored to receive Williams' support. "He brought to the discussion a focus on issues critical to 5th District voters – rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, a new energy policy for the 21st Century, and reviving our struggling economy through good paying jobs in Connecticut," she wrote.

Her campaign noted that Esty has received support from EMILY’s List, the Women’s Campaign Fund, Women’s Action for New Directions and the National Women’s Political Caucus.

Esty's website notes that she has nearly $475,000 in her campaign fund - more than any other 5th District Democratic candidate.

THE DAN NOWAK RALLY: A CHESHIRE EVENT BARTLEM PARK, SEPT. 12, 6:15 P.M.