Simmons backs off in Connecticut; McMahon will face Blumenthal

Rob Simmons, a former GOP Congressman, finally announced he has accepted his party’s endorsement of former WWE executive Linda McMahon as the party’s nominee to take over retiring Democratic Senator Chris Dodd, who was heading toward a humiliating defeat before deciding to withdraw from a re-election bid.

Simmons crying uncle and ceasing his bid for a primary challenge to McMahon clears the way for Linda McMahon to focus her campaign energy on Richard Blumenthal, the popular Democratic attorney general of the state. Blumenthal is not to be confused with former Clinton staffer Sidney Blumenthal.

McMahon’s name recognition, despite being linked to WWE scandals like the links between pro wrestling and human growth hormone supplements, will be needed in November if the GOP hopes to win the seat.