Ex-congressman stops campaign for Senate in Conn.
By SUSAN HAIGH, Associated Press Writer Susan Haigh, Associated Press Writer 43-0700>1 hr 3 mins ago
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NEW LONDON, Conn. – Former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons says he's no longer campaigning in the Connecticut U.S. Senate race, days after vowing to challenge former wrestling executive Linda McMahon in a Republican primary.
Simmons made the announcement Tuesday morning on WXLM-FM in New London, but he stopped short of definitively saying he was dropping out of the race. He said he was releasing all his staff and ceasing fundraising.
Simmons planned an announcement later Tuesday. A Republican with knowledge of Simmons' plans has told The Associated Press that Simmons is expected to withdraw from the race.
Simmons narrowly lost the GOP nomination Friday to McMahon in the race to succeed retiring Democrat Christopher Dodd.
Democrats nominated state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons is expected to withdraw from Connecticut's U.S. Senate race, days after pledging to challenge wrestling executive Linda McMahon in a Republican primary.
Simmons has scheduled a news conference Tuesday in New London to make an announcement on the future of his Senate campaign.
A Republican with knowledge of Simmons' plans tells The Associated Press that the one-time front-runner in the Senate race is expected to announce he's withdrawing.
Simmons narrowly lost the GOP nomination Friday to McMahon. Shortly afterward, he said he would challenge McMahon in the August primary, reversing an earlier promise not to wage a primary if he did not receive the GOP endorsement.
State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal captured the Democratic nomination despite recent criticism for misstating his military record.
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