Eric Kleefeld May 25, 2010, 10:20 AM

Former Rep. Rob Simmons (R-CT) officially announced this morning that he was ending his campaign for Senate, after he lost the state party’s endorsement to former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon at the state GOP convention this past weekend.

“This is not an easy decision,” Simmons said at a press conference. “This is not a happy decision. But I believe it’s the right decision.”

Officially, Simmons is not dropping out — he is releasing his campaign staff and ending his campaign activities, but his name will remain on the ballot in the Republican primary. This is a common practice for candidates who effectively drop out of a race, but maintain a minimal campaign as a legal entity in order to raise money to cover debts.

Simmons served three terms in the House of Representatives, losing in 2006 to Democrat Joe Courtney by a margin of only 83 votes out of 242,000 cast. During his career in Congress, he had an image of being a moderate Republican. He went further right during his Senate campaign — most notably when he publicly boasted of inserting a tea bag inside his pocket Constitution.

Over the course of the primary campaign, however, he gradually lost momentum in the face of McMahon’s personal spending on the race.

State Republican Chairman Chris Healy released this statement:

“There are few Americans who have served their country with more courage, integrity and purpose than Rob Simmons. He has risked his life to preserve our freedom.”

“Rob Simmons has represented our interests in Hartford and Washington with honor, hard work and decency.”

“Rob’s decision today was difficult, but speaks to all of what he has dedicated his life to - service.”

“Republicans will always appreciate what he has accomplished for our Party, state and country and we will never forget his friendship and dedication to the cause of liberty.”

2010 elections, CT-SEN, Linda McMahon, Rob Simmons, Senate '10