U.S. Senate candidate Peter Schiff, a Tea Party favorite known for his gloomy predictions about the U.S. economy, has qualified for the Aug. 10 Republican primary.
Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz said today that Schiff gathered enough petition signatures he needed to challenge the endorsed Republican, former wrestling executive Linda McMahon.
Rob Simmons, who qualified for a primary at the Republican State Convention, has curtailed his campaign, but he said today his name will remain on the ballot as well.
"It doesn't change my thinking at all," Simmons said. "I am remaining on the ballot."
Simmons said he had emailed Schiff on Friday wishing him well.
"I wished him good luck. I hope he is successful," Simmons said.
Schiff, 47, the president of Euro Pacific Capital, failed to win significant support at the convention, but immediately launched a petition drive. He needed 8,268 valid signatures to qualify; Bysiewicz said he had more than 8,600.