(MYSTIC) - Jim Barnett, campaign manager for U.S. Senate candidate Rob Simmons, made the following statement today reacting to a new Rasmussen poll:

"Today's Rasmussen poll demonstrates how quickly fortunes can change when an unvetted, untested candidate is finally exposed to scrutiny.  Without spending a dime on advertising, Rob Simmons has slashed Blumenthal's lead to nearly single digits, and in a general election where Rob's record as a real Vietnam veteran is contrasted against Blumenthal's fraudulent record, the choice will be clear. 

"While Rob Simmons' record has been subject to intense scrutiny over the course of several hotly contested general elections, the real Linda McMahon remains almost entirely unknown to the voters and the media, except for millions in her own uncontested ad spending.  But as Dick Blumenthal has suddenly learned, one's record has a way of catching up to you, and McMahon will not have airwaves to herself for much longer.  Given what we know about Linda McMahon's troubling record - from Congressional investigations to criminal prosecutions to, like Blumenthal, lying about her own credentials and record - Republicans should tread carefully and skeptically. 

"Character is now an unavoidable issue in this race.  Republicans should not believe for one second that extreme wealth will overcome the fundamental character defects that plague Linda McMahon.  Republicans will be best represented and have their best chance for victory by nominating Rob Simmons, a decorated Vietnam veteran with the experience and character that money can't buy."

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