Former Congressman Rob Simmons is not being a quiet bystander in the race to succeed retiring Senator Joe Lieberman. During a taping of Face the State with Dennis House, Simmons said he is considering running for the seat, and will make a decision in March. He also made it clear he wants someone new to run the Connecticut Republican party.
Simmons, a former CIA officer and Army colonel, turns 68 next week. Two years ago in March of 2009, he was leading Senator Chris Dodd in the polls, yet saw his lead evaporate after Dodd dropped out and was replaced by then Attorney General Dick Blumenthal. Simmons later lost the nominating convention to former WWE CEO Linda McMahon, who also beat him in the primary.
During the taping, Simmons was critical of state GOP chairman Chris Healy, saying after four years of his leadership, he believes it is time for a new party boss. Healy’s wife worked on the McMahon campaign and some of Simmons’ supporters had complained that Healy favored McMahon over Simmons.
Simmons was also hesitant about another run by his former rival, suggesting the party would be making a mistake if it once again nominated McMahon. If Simmons does not run, he suggested the name of State Senator Scott Frantz of Greenwich, the former chairman of Bradley International Airport.
As for the Democrats, Simmons praised the man who beat him in 2006, Congressman Joe Courtney. Courtney has not made a decision on whether to run for the senate. Simmons said the two candidates in the race, former Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, and Congressman Chris Murphy “haven’t accomplished much.” He was not impressed by a potential candidacy of Ted Kennedy, Jr, questioning the value of the Kennedy name in 21st century Connecticut politics.
You can watch the entire interview with Rob Simmons, this Sunday at 11AM on Face the State.
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Dennis House blog 
Mr. Simmons is showing his RINO-like ways. The problem was not Healy or his wife working for McMahon. The problem was the Simmons conducted a negative campaign that focussed entirely too much on McMahon and not on what he could do for the citizens of Connecticut. Many of his campaign workers turned off the Republican rank and file with their negative antics. Mr. Simmons has served the State well, but he is now outdated and unable to move forward in today’s world. Mr. Simmons needs to quit the whining, he is no longer able to lead, he did nothing to help follow and support the candidates for the November election, now he needs to just get out of the way!!!
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Rob would make an outstanding Campaign Manager for Scott Frantz. Frantz needs visibility in eastern Connecticut. Rob can help do that. Rob would be a great Chief of Staff for the new Senator.
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Rob Simmons is as a good and decent a man as one is likely to encounter in their entire lifetime, in any venue.
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Go Rob Go. Ct needs you!
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I’ll pass on Simmons….don’t forget he was a co-sponsor of the original Cap n Trade legislation and a supporter of card check.
CT needs a CONSERVATIVE senatorial candidate on the R ticket. McMahn is no conservative. I don’t know much about Frantz.
Peter Schiff is a good choice, yet CT media ignored him during the last election. Eventhough he was the first senatorial candidate in the history of the state to petition his way on to the primary ballot.
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