Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon has loaned her campaign nearly $6 million in the last few months, according to the latest report  her campaign filed with the Federal Elections Commission.

That means McMahon, the co-founder and former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment, has loaned her campaign more than $8 million, widening the financial gulf between her and her rivals.

With the $50 million she spent on an unsuccesful Senate race in 2010, McMahon now has invested nearly $60 million into her quests for a seat in the Senate.

The Senate candidate in Connecticut who has raised the most campaign cash from individuals and PACs in the 2012 cycle — about $5.4 million — is  Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5th District.

McMahon’s ability to self-fund has prompted her campaign to outpace all others in the Senate race.

Murphy has spent a little more than $2 million, while McMahon has spent more than $9 million.

Murphy and McMahon both have primary challengers who have raised less money.

Murphy faces Susan Bysiewicz who has raised about $2.25 million for the August 14 primary.  McMahon’s primary opponent is former Rep. Chris Shays, who has raised about $1.4 million.

Shays is the only candidate who has not been able to afford TV advertising this summer.

Ana has written about politics and policy in Washington, D.C.. for Gannett, Thompson Reuters and UPI. She was a special correspondent for the Miami Herald, and a regular contributor to The New York TImes, Advertising Age and several other publications. She has also worked in broadcast journalism, for CNN and several local NPR stations. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Journalism.

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