Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, both Democrats, are expected to win open Senate seats in their states, according to the Associated Press.
Blumenthal, who received $5,000 from CUNA's PAC and $2,000 NAFCU's PAC, is leading businesswoman Linda McMahon. He had been the early favorite in the race to succeed Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd but stumbled after media reports indicated he had lied about the extent of his military service.
Manchin, who received $10,000 from CUNA's PAC and $1,000 from NAFCU's PAC, is leading businessman John Raese for the seat held for more than 50 years by the late Sen. Robert Byrd. Manchin had been the early favorite but fell behind in some polls because of President Obama's unpopularity in the state. But Manchin promised to be an independent voice and criticized several administration policies on health care and energy.
