Schiff qualifies for primary

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - For the first time in state history, a candidate has qualified for a statewide primary by petition. Weston economist and author, Peter Schiff, has qualified by collecting enough signatures from registered Republicans to get on the ballot for U.S. Senate.

Schiff got only a handful of delegates at the state party convention last month, so he took his effort to the streets, gathering more than 12,000 signatures. He needed about 8,300.

That means Republicans will have three choices on August 10th: former WWE/CEO Linda McMahon, who got the convention endorsement, former Congressman Rob Simmons, who has suspended his campaign but will remain on the ballot, and Schiff.

"In the race for U.S. Senate, which has generated a lot of national interest, we have determined that Republican Peter Schiff has submitted primary petitions to qualify for the August 10th Primary," said Secretary of the State, Susan Bysiewicz.

In addition to Schiff, Mark Greenberg has qualified by petition to run in the Republican primary for congress in the 5th district. He joins Sam Caligiuri, who was endorsed by the party convention, and Justin Bernier.

Rob Merkle and Rick Torres of Bridgeport have qualified for the Republican Primary in the 4th district. State Senator Dan Debicella is the party convention endorsed candidate.

Schiff may still have some problems because there have been two complaints made with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, claiming some of his petitions were gathered by people who are not Connecticut registered Republicans. If the Elections Enforcement Commission determines that is the case, Schiff could be removed from the ballot later.

The primary will be held Tuesday, August 10.