Former Republican Congressman Rob Simmons is dropping out of the Connecticut Race for Senate in the seat being vacated by Chris Dodd. Simmons did qualify for the August Primary ballot but pointed to his Primary opponent against former Wrestling Executive Linda McMahon (wife of WWE CEO Vince McMahon) who got the nod at the GOP convention last week. Simmons name will remain on the ballot. Businessman Peter Schiff did not get enough votes at the convention to qualify for the ballot, though he might try and petition his way on.
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- Former Rep. Rob Simmons is halting his campaign for the Senate.
While his name will remain on the primary ballot, the Connecticut Republican said at a news conference Tuesday that "we have decided, reluctantly and prayerfully, to scale back the campaign. We will release staff to pursue other opportunities and curtail campaign activities. This is not an easy decision or a happy decision."
Former professional wrestling executive Linda McMahon captured the Connecticut GOP's Senate nomination endorsement, edging out Simmons at the party convention Friday night. At the time Simmons said he would challenge McMahon in the state's August 10 primary. Businessman Peter Schiff, another GOP candidate, failed to capture enough votes at the convention to qualify for the primary, but indicated he might launch a petition effort to get his name on the August primary ballot.
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