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NOVEMBER 9, 2000

Incumbent Representative Sam Gejdenson (D-Conn) finally conceded the race and congratulated his Republican challenger Rob Simmons.

But the vote was tight. With all precincts reporting their results, Simmons beat Gejdenson by about 2,800 votes.

Despite being declared the loser late on Tuesday, Gejdenson refused to consider the possibility of defeat on Wednesday until all the votes were counted.

Simmons has promised to give more consideration to the views of three towns opposed to the expansion of the Mashantucket Pequot reservation. But whether or not he will have the ability as a freshman Congressman to push for hearings on the 1983 Mashantucket Pequot Settlement Act remains to be seen.

Gejdenson has called for mediation on the issue and said the law won't be changed in spite of criticism by local leaders. Earlier, he begrudgingly wrote a letter to the House Committee on Resources, asking them to consider a hearing.

The towns are also opposed to the federal recognition of two Pequot tribes.

Get the latest numbers:
Connecticut Results (The Washington Post)

Relevant Links:
Rep. Sam Gejdenson - www.house.gov/gejdenson
Robert Simmons www.simmonsforcongress.com

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Republicans call for BIA investigation (Tribal Law 9/22)
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