This afternoon, Rhode Island Secretary of State Matt Brown (D) dropped his bid for the U.S. Senate, clearing the way for presumptive nominee, former Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse (D).

Matt Brown is a very good candidate and a committed progressive, but intra-party struggles, coupled with a late primary were ultimately going to hurt the chances of a Democrat snatching that very vulnerable seat away from Republican Senator Lincoln Chaffee.

With Sheldon Whitehouse at the helm, I say, bring it on!

From the Associated Press:

Secretary of State Matt Brown, dogged by questions about his fundraising practices in the campaign for U.S. Senate, drops out of the race.

Brown says he did not have enough money to continue in the race.

He threw his support behind fellow Democrat and former Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse.

They were both vying for the seat held by Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee, who faces Cranston Mayor Stephen Laffey in the Republican primary.

Brown had a strong showing in an independent poll by Brown University early this year.

But in recent months, he has struggled with dwindling funds and persistent questions about a series of donations made to his campaign by Democratic parties in three other states.

We will be seeing more of Matt Brown in the future. DoubleSpeak wishes him well.