PRIMARY RESULTS – AT 8:31 A.M. ET:  Tommy Thompson has won his primary to become Republican Senate nominee in Wisconsin.

If Thompson wins the general, it's a critical GOP pickup.  Even more important, he'd be defeating ultra-liberal Tammy Baldwin, the Dem candidate, who represents Madison.  Baldwin, if elected to the Senate would be one of its most leftist members, if not the most leftist.  The seat is currently held by responsible Democrat Herb Kohl, who is retiring.

In very blue Connecticut, Linda McMahon has beaten former Congressman Chris Shays for the Republican Senate nomination, which she's now won for the second time.  She is vying for the Senate seat being vacated by the distinguished Joe Lieberman, who is currently listed as an independent, having been forced out of the Democratic Party by its ultra-left Connecticut voters.  McMahon lost a Senate race to current Senator Richard Blumenthal in 2010.  She faces an uphill fight again this year, but the polls show her within fighting distance of Rep. Chris Murphy, the Dem candidate.  McMahon is burdened by her image as co-founder, with her husband, of Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment, not known as a class act.

In Florida, Rep. Connie Mack IV has won the GOP nomination for the Senate, and stands a reasonable chance of unseating Senator Bill Nelson, for a GOP pickup. 

August 15,  2012