HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut Republicans will be nominating a candidate to oppose Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal in November.

The state party's convention will be held Monday at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

Vying for delegates will be former Olympian August Wolf, Bethel state Rep. Dan Carter and former fashion industry executive Jack Orchulli. Orchulli was the party's U.S. Senate candidate in 2004, when he unsuccessfully challenged then-U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd.

All three candidates are less known statewide than Blumenthal, a veteran politician. State GOP Chairman J.R. Romano says the unpredictability of this year's election season and the dissatisfaction with state Democratic leaders could help a Republican candidate defeat the one-term U.S. Senator.

Republicans will also be choosing candidates for the five congressional races. Those seats are currently held by Democrats.