Rob Simmons
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Robert Ruhl Simmons (born February 11 1943), American politician, has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives since 2001, representing the 2nd District of Connecticut (map (http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/ct02_109.gif)).
Born in New York City, Simmons was educated at Harvard University, served in the United States Army and the Central Intelligence Agency, and was a staff member for Senator John Chafee of Rhode Island, and a member of the Connecticut General Assembly before entering the House, defeating ten-term Democratic incumbent Sam Gejdenson by a slim 3,000 vote margin. Despite being in one of the most Democratic GOP-held seats in the nation and being targetted by the DCCC as a possible pickup, Simmons fought off a challenge from Democrat Joe Courtney in 2002, winning 54%-46%.
In 2004 Simmons faced a challenge from Democrat Jim Sullivan and successfully defended his seat by an 8-point margin, 54%-46%.
In 2005, the RNCC listed Simmons as one of their most vulnerable members and his seat is still widely seen as a possible Democratic pickup in 2006. Joe Courtney, Simmons's opponent in 2002, has declared his intention to once again challenge Simmons in 2006.
External links
- official website (http://www.house.gov/simmons/)
- 2nd Congressional District Blog (http://2cd.lonseidman.com/)