Shays Heats up Senate Race (Poll)

Former Congressman Christopher Shays will formally jump into the U.S. Senate race on Jan. 25, adding his name to the growing field of prospective candidates that are looking to take the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman.

Despite his formal announcement, which is slated to take place at noon the Old State House in Hartford, Shays has already been on the campaign trail in Connecticut, making stops with various groups to hash out his more moderate approach to Republican politics.

Shays, a Republican who representated Fairfield County for over 20 years until 2008, is running against a full field of candidates. 

Still, the field is notably crowded as the political season enters the first quarter of 2012. Shays is likely going to have a tough battle against former WWE CEO Linda McMahon, the state GOP’s nominee in 2010 against Democrat Richard Blumenthal. McMahon has already brought her campaign to town with a visit to Danbury Square Box.

for Lieberman's seat in September last year.

On the Democratic site, has been considered in recent polls to be the front-runner for the Democrats. In one of his recent visits, he stopped by a newly completed house built by Housatonic Habitat for Humanity. Former Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz is also polling high.

With that, we wanted to get your feel for this upcoming Senate race in 2012. Which candidate would you support in the general election?