CT-Sen: Simmons Mulling a Run

This would be a pretty big coup for John Cornyn:

Former Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.) is contemplating a challenge to Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) in 2010, as Republicans appear to be telegraphing that they plan to target the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs chairman for defeat.

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Texas) met with Simmons to discuss a potential bid a few weeks ago while the former Congressman was in town for the Republican National Committee winter meeting, according to a knowledgeable source. Simmons, however, has not yet made any commitments to the NRSC.

“Congressman Simmons would be a very strong candidate in this race, particularly when ethics and the economy will be two of the biggest issues in 2010,” NRSC spokesman Brian Walsh said. “That said, it’s our understanding that he’s still examining his options as are other potential candidates.”

Simmons, who was knocked off by Democrat Joe Courtney in an extremely close race in 2006, is already testing out some attacks against Dodd:

“I am currently looking around for opportunities to be of service,” Simmons said. “As you know, I’ve got a fairly substantial background in public service and I’m currently just looking around, if you will, exploring possibilities to see what looks good.”

Although Simmons was coy about 2010, he touted his service as an aide to former Sens. John Chafee (R-R.I.) and Barry Goldwater (R-Ariz.) as proof of his ability to straddle the spectrum of the Republican Party. Simmons was also fast to criticize Dodd for not foreseeing the economic crisis as chairman of the Banking panel, as well as not disclosing the details of a well-publicized deal he got on a mortgage for his home.

“Sen. Dodd has disappointed a lot of his supporters up here in Connecticut with his activities over the last several years,” Simmons said. “He left the state, moved to Iowa, to pursue what turned out to be a frivolous attempt to run for president of the United States of America.”

If Simmons goes for it, this race could conceivably get pretty interesting. The latest polling (Quinnipiac, December 2008) hasn’t exactly been kind to Dodd the Bod — his approval rating is limping along at 47-41, and his re-elects are in even worse shape: only 44% say that they’ll vote to re-elect the incumbent in 2010, while 47% say that they’ll go with someone else.

There’s no question that Simmons would have to run one hell of a race in order to win in this bright blue state, but the path for him is available if he decides to take a crack against an incumbent who voters seem to be getting at least somewhat tired of.

42 thoughts on “CT-Sen: Simmons Mulling a Run”

  1. really did because he was actually a solid conservative in a very liberal district that for some reason reelected him. He was the most conservative member Connecticut’s congressional delegation, by far, despite all the flack Nancy Johnson received. He even gave a thousand dollars to Tom DeLay’s defense fund so he has no room to talk about “ethics” or to criticize Dodd for the Banking Crisis whose roots began more than a decade ago while Dodd has been Chairman for 2 years.

    But Connecticut is highly liberal and if there is one thing Dodd is its a prodiguous fundraiser and a strong, experienced campaigner. He will not be caught off guard by Simmons’ faux moderacy like Sam Gedjedenson was in 2000. It doesn’t hurt that he and Dodd share the same political base, with Dodd having represent his district for three terms in the 1970s, 1974-1980.  

  2. Maybe Simmons is just trying to create political goodwill, amongst the GOP, by taking on Dodd (when no other major Republican would probably) in order to run for Gov. in 2014 should Rell not run. Or a 2012 Senate race should Lieberman not run as an Indy.

  3. But its sure helpful to have strong nominees even in races where the GOP is the automatic underdog. I think thats certainly a lession to be gained from the Democrats in 2006 and 2008.

  4. I doubt he’s that dumb and if he does he’ll lose just like Slattery did in Kansas.

    If you lose the bluest district in a red state or reddest district in a blue state it’s not a particularly good qualification for promotion. Has anyone with that background ever won a Senate seat?

    Not at all scared, the Dodd Squad will take him down.  

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