Simmons bows out


According to Politico:

Former Rep. Rob Simmons (R) has accepted a job as Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell’s Business Advocate, making it highly unlikely that he will run for his old seat.

“Serving in this capacity allows me to continue what I have done for the past 16 years - advocate for better jobs, a stronger economy and a more business friendly climate here in Connecticut,” Simmons wrote in a letter to supporters. “If the General Assembly agrees and confirms Governor Rell's nomination, I plan to devote all of my time and energy to this task.”

Not Shermanesque enough for me. If his appointment must be confirmed, as it appears it must, Democrats should extract a promise that he will serve through the '08 election.

Despite the fact that I smell wiggle room, it does appear that Simmons is reasonably adept at reading the tea leaves, and realizes that he would have little chance of unseating a far better financed Courtney in what promises to be a big year for Congressional Democrats.

The Republican bench in the second is very thin. Anyone interested in mounting a serious challenge is going to have to start work in the next few months, so we should know soon whether Joe will have more than token opposition.

UPDATE: The AP article on this story includes the following paragraph:

Simmons, who has not ruled out running again for the 2nd congressional district seat in 2008, will be responsible for informing businesses about various public and private assistance programs, technical help, job training, state services and financial assistance that are available in the state.

All the more reason for the Democrats to insist that he make a clear pledge about the future. Why should we pay him a salary if he's going to use his time campaigning for Congress?
Posted: Monday - February 26, 2007 at 07:29 PM          

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