http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Simmons-ends-campaign-but-stays-on-ballot-499060.phpNEW LONDON -- Rob Simmons said Tuesday he will stay on the Republican primary ballot for the U.S. Senate, but will end his campaign and release staff.
Simmons, who admits he has little chance of winning the GOP primary against party nominee Linda McMahon, said he is staying on the ballot out of respect for the delegates who backed him. Simmons, who made his decision "reluctantly and prayerfully," said "forty six percent of my fellow Republicans at the convention supported my campaign and I believe I owe them a choice."
In a news conference at the Raddison hotel Simmons said, "we understand the mathmatical reality of competing against an opponent (McMahon) with unlimited financial resources, who has already invested more than $16.5 million in this campaign and has an unlimited ability to continue spending at an extraordinary rate."
Asked if he would run for the Senate if he won the primary, Simmons said, "under the circumstances, there is no chance whatsoever ... I don't anticipate that in any way."
Also asked if McMahon is qualified to run for U.S. senator, Simmons said, "the primary qualification to be the Republican nominee is to win the convention and win the primary. I don't think there is any other qualification that matters."
He said his remaining on the ballot is not a protest vote rather, "I see it as honoring those who did support me."
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