Simmons to Challenge Dodd

[NewJeffCT]

Source: The Hartford Courant

Simmons Says He'd Vie For Dodd's Senate Seat In 2010

By CHRISTOPHER KEATING | Capitol Bureau Chief
12:22 AM EDT, March 16, 2009

Former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, buoyed by a poll showing that he is in a dead heat in a possible matchup against Sen. Christopher Dodd, announced Sunday that he would challenge the longtime Democratic senator in 2010.

Simmons, a Republican, has won eight of the 10 political races he has run in his career, including three terms for the U.S. House of Representatives from the 2nd District, which covers more than 50 towns from Madison to Stonington and Enfield.

Simmons made his decision Sunday after meeting with his family, close friends and minister after attending church.

"The family had a long meeting today and was unanimous that I run,'' Simmons said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "So, I'm running.''

Read more: http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-simmons-to-run-against-dodd,0,2236736.story

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Personally, with the pseudo-scandal of Countrywide that was exacerbated by Dodd's delaying & delaying, but the possibly bigger scandal of his below market purchase of a place in Ireland also looming, it may be time for Dodd to step aside and let somebody else take a shot on the Democratic side - Rosa DeLauro, John Larson or Chris Murphy, maybe Susan Bysiewicz?

Edited to add - that when Dodd moved his family to Iowa for his quixotic bid for the presidency, a lot of residents were not happy with him, either.

The polls showed Simmons ahead of Dodd 43-42, and 42 for an incumbent is dangerously low.

[Belial]

1. I can see the anti Dodd commercials now.. he would be a

political managers wet dream at this point..

[Lost in CT]

2. We need to do something or we may be talking about senator Shays (R) nt

[Justice]

3. Dodd will win

They are not going to elect Simmons.

[NewJeffCT]

4. Dodd's approval is in the 30s

and he only got 42% in a poll against Simmons.

[rox63]

5. Dodd's a good, dependable liberal

I don't want to lose him. Of course, since I don't live in CT, I don't have much say in the matter.

[bluestateguy]

6. It's not patriotic to go against the President

President. Patriotism. Country.

[FightingIrish]

7. What a small world.

Many years ago I used to play with Rob Simmons when he visited his grandparents in Oregon. I don't have any dirt on him other than the fact that we all thought he talked funny.