It's Official: Rob Simmons To Challenge Dodd

As reported by the Hartford Courant, Rob Simmons has officially announced his intention to challenge Chris Dodd for his senate seat in 2010. Via an email to the AP, Simmons said that after meeting with family and friends today, he received unanimous support and made the decision.

I have said Simmons is probably in the best position to challenge Dodd of those whose names have been mentioned, and the recent Q-poll certainly supports that assertion. I think it was wise to make the decision early, allowing him to start hitting Dodd while the he is still vulnerable on his many issues, rather than waiting until the fall when Dodd has had more of a chance to rehabilitate himself. Such a strong candidate getting in early may also keep one or two other potential Republican challengers, like Schiff or Kudlow, from deciding to run.