HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons plans to make an issue out of a comment made by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, his possible opponent for a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Blumenthal said the lawsuits he has filed against businesses while attorney general have helped the state's economy. Simmons' campaign spokesman told Politico that they plan to criticize the effect Blumenthal's suits have made.

"We don't view this is any way as a simple gaffe," Raj Shah said in the report.

"It's a window into Blumenthal's tax-and-spend; sue-first, ask-questions-later; job-killing mentality that has hurt Connecticut and will harm us if sent to the Senate."

Blumenthal made his comment during a Democratic primary debate.

"Our lawsuits, our legal actions actually create jobs because businesses actually welcome competition and a level playing field and a level playing field," he said. "What they really want is fair enforcement."

Simmons' campaign Web site also features a 2007 report by the Competitive Enterprise Institute that ranked the 10 worst state attorneys general in recent history. Blumenthal topped the list.

It called Blumenthal "a tireless crusader for growing the power of his own office and spreading largesse to his cronies."

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at jobrienwv@gmail.com.