Second Congressional District Candidate Joe Courtney issued the following statement on Rob Simmons' latest position on the Republican budget.

"He had the chance to do what was in the best interest of the district and instead broke his word and sided with Bush and his Republican leadership," Courtney said, "Now that he has been criticized, he wants to pretend that he can undo the damage.  That's not leadership.  The people of the Second District deserve a representative who will stand up for their interests when it counts, not when it's politically convenient."

Timeline of a Broken Promise

November 18th - Simmons votes against the deficit reduction act.

November 30th - Simmons sends emails to constituents stating: "Medicaid, student loans, and food stamps are programs that help people.  I could not vote for a bill that targeted these programs.  I am for a reduction in federal spending, but it must be done in a more equitable manner."

December 19th - Simmons breaks his word and votes for the GOP budget cuts.

December 20th - Simmons' Chief of Staff Todd Mitchell says Simmons supported the cuts because "The new bill is 'significantly different' from the one passed in November" - The New London Day, December 20th , 2005

January 8th - Simmons' Press Secretary says Simmons supported the budget cuts because the National Governor's Association requested them: "According to the bipartisan National Governors Association, the cost of Medicaid is rising at such an unsustainable rate that it is competing within states' budgets with other vital programs that states must provide, such as education." - The New London Day, January 8, 2006

January 10th - Simmons emails constituents praising GOP cuts: "We have passed the Deficit Reduction Act , which makes much needed reforms and helps government run better."

January 25th - Simmons promises to vote against the budget cuts he supported December 19th .