Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) continues to hold big leads over his two potential Republican opponents in the open Senate race this year. According to a new Rasmussen poll (Feb. 1, 500 LV, MoE +/- 4.5%), Blumenthal leads former Rep. Rob Simmons and former WWE executive Linda McMahon by some 20 points each.

Blumenthal 54 (-2 vs. last poll, Jan. 7)
Simmons 35 (+2)
Und 7

Blumenthal 56 (-2 vs. last poll, Jan. 7)
McMahon 36 (+2)
Und 4

Blumenthal has only been in the race for a month, after jumping in following Sen. Chris Dodd's (D) retirement announcement in January.

He instantly gave Democrats their best chance at the seat, as Dodd had been trailing both Republicans in earlier polls. In this poll, 70% said they have a favorable view of the attorney general, with just 3% not sure how they feel about him -- indicating a high name ID.

In an interview with RealClearPolitics last month, however, Blumenthal said he knows his lead will invariably shrink.

"I very much expect a hard-fought and competitive race, and I fully anticipate that the polls will tighten," said Blumenthal, refusing to comment on either opponent.

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