Joseph Courtney, born April 6, 1953 (age 71), is a liberal U.S. Representative from Connecticut. He defeated Republican congressman, Rob Simmons, in 2006 for the second district of Connecticut. The election was so close a recount was automatically necessary. When he entered the 110th United States Congress he received the nickname "landslide Joe." He has endorsed Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd for President (along with all other Democratic Representatives in Connecticut.) He was elected to the House over the incumbent Rep. Rob Simmons in 2006 and won relection in 2008.