GOP Primaries in CT, FL, WI, and MN: Results

Updating as results come in

In addition to the Wisconsin Senate Primary discussed earlier, three other states are holding primaries today as well, but with a lot less intrigue.

Connecticut: Linda McMahon easily wins the GOP primary by almost a 3-1 margin to take on Democrat Chris Murphy in the seat being retired by Joe Lieberman. Though Lieberman is an Independent, he caucuses with the Democrats and this is one of 23 seats that they must defend this year. After losing the other senate seat race in 2010, McMahon has polled within single digits (3% and 8%) of Murphy in the last two polls taken on the possible race

Florida: Connie Mack won the GOP Primary in Florida as expected and will take on Democrat Bill Nelson, who is one of the more vulnerable incumbents this year. Nelson survived for years on his moderate image, but the blue-dog mirage has faded with his support of the Obama agenda. Florida is a lot more Republican than many people think. In addition to taking most statewide races in 2010 - including the US Senate and Governor's races - the GOP has overwhelming majorities in both state houses and in the congressional delegation. With almost all ballots counted, Republican turnout is far outpacing Democratic turnout in the primary races. The Democrats have 860,000 votes while the Republican candidates have a combined 1.1 million votes. (Note: This could be due to many factors, including other competitive congressional primaries but could also be indicative of voter enthusiasm. Both Mack and Nelson were expected to easily win.)

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin polls have closed and the results of the most intriguing match-up of the night are starting to come in. +++The race has been called for Thompson, who led 35-30% with more than 80% of the votes counted. Thompson has polled well against Tammy Baldwin throughout the year and could possibly provide additional help to the Romney-Ryan ticket+++. The most recent poll had Hovde at 27%, Thompson and 25%, and Neumann at 24%.

Florida Congressman appears ousted in surprise. Not sure this was expected, but longtime conservative congressman Cliff Stearns (who had the backing of Paul Ryan) appears to have lost his primary race after having his district redrawn. Stearns sought to avoid an inter-primary fight with another sitting congressman so he purchased a house in the newly drawn district to show his willingness to relocate, but apparently it wasn't enough as this set of voters were not committed to the candidate. Appearing to oust him is Ted Yoho, a veterinarian whose list of endorsements include wrestler Dusty Rhodes, an accountant, a Publix meat cutter, and a University of Florida freshman.