Blumenthal Holds Smaller Lead Over McMahon

Democrat Richard Blumenthal now leads Republican Linda McMahon by just five points in Connecticut’s race for the U.S. Senate in a survey conducted two nights after their third and final head-to-head debate.

The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Voters shows Blumenthal, Connecticut’s longtime attorney general, picking up 51% of the vote. McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, earns the vote from 46%. One percent (1%) prefer some other candidate, while three percent (3%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The latest numbers move the race from Solid Democrat to Leans Democrat in the Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 Senate Balance of Power rankings.

Just over a week ago, Blumenthal opened a 54% to 43% lead over McMahon the night after their first debate. While the race was closer in several surveys since January, Blumenthal has always held the lead. In 13 surveys this year, the Democrat has drawn 47% to 60% of the vote. McMahon has picked up 31% to 46% support during that same period.