Former president campaigns in Connecticut for Simmons
WESTBROOK, Conn. --U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, a Republican who has distanced himself from President Bush while winning three terms in his heavily Democratic district, got some help Wednesday from Bush's father, former President George H.W. Bush.
The elder Bush was the featured speaker at a fundraiser for Simmons, and he had high praise for Simmons' intelligence expertise as an asset in the war on terror.
"His understanding of military and intelligence matters is without peer in Washington. We need to have leaders like that in this war on terror," Bush said.
Simmons, a Vietnam veteran and former CIA officer, is facing a tough challenge from Democrat Joe Courtney, who says Simmons aligns himself with Bush on every key issue.
The Democratic Party has targeted the 2nd District race as key in its effort to retake the majority in Congress. Democrats must gain 15 House seats in November's election to get the majority.
The campaign is a rematch of the 2002 election, in which Simmons defeated Courtney to win a second term in Congress. In 2004, Simmons defeated challenger Jim Sullivan despite ads funded by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee that showed Simmons' face morphing into Bush.
On Wednesday, the former president praised Simmons for his ability to work in a bipartisan fashion.
"I don't like all this division. It's a little too hostile, the environment down there," Bush said in referring to Washington, D.C.
Bush voiced strong support for his son. But he acknowledged that Simmons' district was independent and that "I can understand people veering off" and voting independently.
"Go out and re-elect this good man," Bush said. "There are not a helluva lot of them in Congress."
Courtney said the Bush family was grateful that Simmons has supported the president's tax cuts, his energy plan, the Iraq war and the Medicare prescription drug plan.
"They want to say thank you to the most pro-Bush member of Congress from the Connecticut delegation," Courtney said. "They want guys like him down there."
Chris Healy, Simmons' campaign manager, said the tax cuts and prescription drug plan have benefited his constituents. He said Simmons is an independent voice who helped protect 31,000 jobs at the Groton submarine base, which was taken off a list of bases recommended for closure a year ago.
"I think it's sad that someone like Joe Courtney would be so disrespectful of a great president, former President Bush, and everything he's given to this country," Healy said. "It just shows really a lack of class on his part."
Bush's visit drew a few dozen protesters as well as some supporters who held signs outside the gathering.
Simmons' campaign did not have an immediate estimate on the amount raised at fundraiser. About 250 people attended, paying either $250 or $1,000. The higher amount got attendees a private reception with Bush.
Bush sprinkled his speech with jokes and light-hearted comments and references to former first lady, Barbara Bush, noting that many people asked about her Wednesday.
Barbara Bush was to do some campaigning in Vermont.
"She's going to wear protective armor when she goes there," Bush said.
Prior to his speech, Bush was asked if he is worried about midterm elections.
"I don't get worried anymore. I'm retired," Bush said.
Asked about the Iraq war, the former president said, "We're going to win the war. We're doing all right."
Bush was named the first inductee to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.
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