Rob Simmons-Linda McMahon Senate Bout Restarted in Connecticut

Smackdown back on!

Former Rep. Rob Simmons has climbed back into the ring in the Connecticut Republican Senate contest, restarting his campaign against pro wrestling mogul Linda McMahon.

Simmons suspended his effort a few weeks ago but left his name on the ballot and now plans mount a statewide advertising effort. That will likely get in the way of McMahon's general election strategy of focusing on the Democratic Senate nominee, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the New York Times said. The seat opened up when Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), announced his retirement after nearly 30 years representing the state.

McMahon's team tried to take Simmons down immediately, saying his "on-again-off-again campaign is a little like trying to keep up with Abbot and Costello routine: Who's on first."

Update: On Thursday, Simmons played down the notion that he would return to the day-to-day campaign trail. He told The Hill newspaper he didn't really intend to actively campaign, but would air the ads more as "public service announcements," reminding voters that he is still on the primary ballot.

Simmons, who served three terms in the House, talks about jobs, taxes and national security in his ads and reminds voters, "I'm Rob Simmons, I'm still on the ballot, and I approved this message."

His campaign manager, Eric Janney, said of Simmons' reappearance: "As he has been going around the state the last couple of months, folks ask him about staying involved in the race. Many people did not realize Rob remained on the ballot."

Getting back into a competitive position before the Aug. 10 primary will be a stiff challenge for Simmons, who trailed McMahon in fundraising when he pulled back from active campaigning in May and lost the party endorsement to his opponent at a state GOP convention. McMahon, who is married to World Wrestling Entertainment big cheese Vince McMahon -- and is herself the former chief executive of WWE -- has already spent $19 million of her own money, the Times said.

Simmons is a decorated Vietnam veteran and onetime Central Intelligence Agency officer.