Shays files to challenge McMahon in primary

Ready to avenge a distant second-place finish to Linda McMahon in the race for the U.S. Senate nomination at the Republican state convention, Christopher Shays filed paperwork Monday to run in a primary against her.

The former congressman submitted his certificate of eligibility for the Aug. 14 primary around noon in Hartford, according to the Secretary of the State's Office. Shays claimed 32 percent of the vote in a five-way race at Friday's convention, more than double the 15 percent needed for a primary.

In an interview with Hearst Connecticut Newspapers on Monday, Shays said he had no illusions about swaying party insiders who had been committed to McMahon before he even jumped into the race.

"Some people acted like they were married, like they signed a blood oath," Shays said.

Give him a chance to prove his electability to the broader Republican electorate of the state, Shays said, and the outcome will be much different.

"I really feel like I've been prepared for this moment," he said. "I think people know that I can get elected, that I win the general election."

McMahon, matriarch of WWE (formerly World Wrestling Entertainment) won 60 percent of the delegates, notching a second convention victory in the past two years in her bid to become a senator.

"Linda McMahon won the endorsement of Connecticut Republicans by a 2-to-1 margin because people are tired of the professional politicians in Washington and are ready for a proven job creator," said Erin Isaac, a spokeswoman for McMahon.

The GOP winner is expected to face Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy in November for the seat of retiring independent Joe Lieberman.

neil.vigdor@scni.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy