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.