By John Murray

Less than 12 hours after dusting Susan Bysiewicz in a primary that determined the Democrat candidate for an open seat in the U.S. Senate, 5th District Congressman Chris Murphy issued a challenge to GOP candidate Linda McMahon to debate the issues next week. McMahon spent nearly $50 million dollars of her own money in an unsuccessful attempt to win a seat in the U.S. Senate two years ago, and is widely expected to spend lavishly again this campaign. While acknowledging he held a considerable advanatage in having 300,000 more registered Democrats in Connecticut, Murphy said it woukd be impossible to compete with McMahon’s spending. “She’ll outspend me by 500%,” Murphy said today at a press conference in Wallingford, “I’ll have to focus on the issues, and use the media to get out my message.”

During the press conference Murphy said he is delighted to contrast the last 15 years of his life in public service, against McMahon’s last 15 years of running an international wrestling company.

Murphy’s campaign will focus on job creation, and he used a tour of Proton OnSite, in Wallingford, to drive home his emphasisi on creating job growth in Connecticut.

Congressman Murphy accused Linda McMahon of lacking substance on critical issues facing Connecticut, and the nation. “Her positions are created by agencies in New York and they shift from one week to the next,” Murphy said. “We need to debate the issues in this campaign and let the voters know where we stand.”