Rob Simmons



Robert Ruhl Simmons was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007, representing the 2nd Congressional District of Connecticut (map). He was defeated in the 2006 congressional elections by Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.).

Background
Robert Simmons was born February 11, 1943 in New York City. Simmons was educated at Haverford College, 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.

Congressional Career
In 2000, Simmons defeated ten-term Democratic incumbent Sam Gejdenson by a slim 3,000 vote margin. Despite being in the most Democratic GOP-held seat in the nation and being targeted by the DCCC as a possible pickup, Simmons fought off a well financed challenge from Democrat Joe Courtney in 2002, easily 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 NRCC 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.

Iraq War
Simmons voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.

2006 elections
In 2006, the Democrats nominated Joe Courtney to face Simmons in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) The race was very close, with Courtney leading by less than 200 votes following an initial count, and less than 100 after a counting error was detected. This count did not include provisional ballots. Following a final recount, Courtney was declared the election's winner by less than 100 votes. 

Link to Tom Delay
Simmons was a recipient of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's ARMPAC campaign contributions. DeLay is being prosecuted on charges of felony money laundering of campaign finances and conspiracy to launder money. 

Committees in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Armed Services
 * House Defense Review Threat Panel
 * Subcommittee on Projection Forces
 * Subcommittee on Readiness
 * House Committee on Homeland Security
 * Subcommitteeon Emergency Preparedness Science and Technology
 * Subcommittee on Intelligence Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment - Chair
 * Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack
 * House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
 * Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
 * Subcommittee on Highways Transit and Pipelines
 * Subcommittee on Railroads

Coalitions and Caucuses

 * Co Chair, Long Island Sound Caucus

Boards and other Affiliations

 * Board of Governors, President, Stonington Community Center, 1985-present
 * Vestry, Calvary Episcopal Church, 1988-1991
 * Fundraising Chair, Mystic Flag Committee, 1986
 * Adjutant, American Legion Post 58, Stonington Borough
 * ROA
 * Former Treasurer, Stonington Cemetery Association
 * Life Member, Sierra Club
 * Veterans of Foreign Wars
 * Honorary Board, Republicans for Environmental Protection

More Background Data

 * 2006 Connecticut CD 2 Candidate List from VIS

Articles and Resources

 * Official website
 * Campaign website
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Connecticut Local Politics

Contact
DC Office: 215 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2076 Fax: 202-225-4977 Web Email Website

District Office - Enfield: 37-39 Pearl Street Enfield, CT 06082 Phone: 860-741-4053 Fax: 860-741-4059

District Office - Norwich: 2 Courthouse Square Fifth Floor Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: 860-886-0139 Fax: 860-886-2974