Chris Shays will be jumping into Connecticut’s U.S. Senate contest, a source close to the former congressman confirmed on Wednesday. He plans to make his entry into the race official before the end of the month, this person said.
Shays could face a tough contest, trying to make a comeback in Connecticut four years after he lost his 4th District U.S. House seat to Rep. Jim Himes, a Democrat.
But the Republican field for the Senate seat, which is being vacated by retiring Sen. Joseph Lieberman, has yet to take shape. All eyes remain focused on Linda McMahon, the former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO who dumped $50 million into a failed 2010 Senate bid.
McMahon has said she’s considering a second try, but still seems to be wavering. Other possible contenders include former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker and ex-Rep. Rob Simmons.
The Democratic slate is already crowded. Former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz was the first to declare, followed by Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5th, and state Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford.
Shays’ plans were first reported this morning by Roll Call and confirmed by The Mirror.