Blumenthal endorsed for Senate reelection bid

HARTFORD — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal was nominated to carry the Democratic Party's banner for a third consecutive term Friday, setting him up for a battle likely to test Connecticut's deep-blue hue in national campaigns.

Blumenthal, 76, faced no opposition for his party's endorsement during the opening night of the state convention, which was largely a coronation of sorts for the two-term senator, former state attorney general and U.S. Attorney.

The party's delegates endorsed Blumenthal by acclamation following his nomination by fellow U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy at the Xfinity Theatre.

In his speech to the convention, Blumenthal directly addressed the contrast between his uncontested path to the party's nomination and his looming reelection campaign, saying the crowd of several thousand who showed up to endorse him was a symbol of the stakes in the Senate election.

“Your presence sends a message that you care and that you are ready for a fight,” Blumenthal said. “We know that we have those fights ahead and that the soul of our Democracy is at stake.”

Armed with an $8.2 million war chest and an immense personal wealth, Blumenthal enters his reelection campaign as the substantial favorite in Connecticut, which has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1982.

The Cook Political Report rates Blumenthal's Senate seat as a “solid” hold for the Democratic Party.

The GOP, however, is hoping to capitalize on voter frustration with inflation and rising oil prices, as well as the typical swing toward the opposition party during midterm election years. Several Republicans, most notably former House Minority Leader Themis Klarides and party Committeewoman Leora Levy, are vying to take on Blumenthal at the party's convention this weekend at Foxwoods Casino.

Even with the endorsement of the Republican Party delegates, it is likely that at least one of the candidates will receive enough support to force a primary election in August to determine who faces Blumenthal.