Candidate Profile: Rob Sampson, 16th Senatorial District

CHESHIRE, CT — The 2022 election is heating up in Connecticut and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the gubernatorial election, but every state representative and senate seat is up for grabs. All five of Connecticut's congressional seats, plus one U.S. Senate seat, are up for grabs as well.

There are 151 seats in the state House of Representatives and 36 in the state Senate. Democrats currently hold majorities in both chambers

Connecticut Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Rob Sampson, 53, of Wolcott, is running for re-election to Senate District 16 to represent Prospect, Southington, Wolcott and parts of Cheshire and Waterbury.

Campaign website

https://sampsonforct.com

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

Central CT State University

Occupation

Realtor, Insurance Agent

Family

n/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Previous public office, appointive or elective

State Representative 2011-2018, State Senator 2019-Present

Why are you seeking this office?

I remain concerned about the direction our state and country is headed, away from the American principles and values of freedom, personal responsibility, and constitutional self-government, and towards progressive socialism, rampant inflation, and lawlessness.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Affordability. I will continue promoting free markets and economic opportunity and fighting against socialism and big government interference and its negative impact on our economy. Progressive policies including ever-growing entitlements and burdensome regulations raise the price of everything. Out of control state spending raises taxes and damaging regulations chase away producers from our state, taking jobs, opportunity, and a growing economy with them. The result is less economic production, more government dependency, and higher prices on everything, including food, energy and heating.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

I am a proud conservative Republican who believes in individual rights and self-government, who trusts people to make better choices, particularly on how to live and spend their money, than any politicians. I take my role as a representative of my neighbors selected to bring our voice to Hartford seriously. I know very little about my opponent since he has shared very few of his own positions. Aside from having a completely different worldview, the major difference is that I am happy to run on my own record and to tell the truth. He seems to prefer to spend his time misrepresenting my positions and distorting my record.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I am an incumbent but I feel like a challenger most of the time since I serve in the minority and have watched 40 plus years of one-party Democrat rule do tremendous damage to my home state. We need a new direction focused on making our state a safer and more affordable place for everyone to live, work, raise a family, maybe start a business, and retire.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I will continue to offer solutions to fight inflation, make CT more affordable, increase public safety and restore the rule of law, improve education, and stop the spread of anti-American woke nonsense that seems to be invading nearly every aspect of society.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have served our community in both the House and Senate with principle and integrity. I am the leading voice against the government overreach, corruption, and fiscal mismanagement of elected Democrats at our State Capitol. I have a proven record of accomplishments, working with colleagues in both parties to pass over 150 bills into law benefitting our economy and small businesses, cleaning up our environment, enhancing public safety, protecting our seniors, and honoring our veterans.

My goal is a better Connecticut with a growing economy, more jobs ,better schools, lower taxes, affordable quality healthcare, while preserving our freedoms, civil rights, and honoring our American heritage and way of life.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do the right thing, even when no one is looking. I believe the measure of a person is to stand on principle, willing to defend the reasons why, and to never lie.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Beware of false claims and misrepresentations about my record. I am a powerful advocate for my positions in Hartford and the Democrats want desperately to get rid of me. They have proven they will stoop to unbelievable levels to convince voters I am somehow out of touch, even a "radical extremist." The truth is that I am your neighbor, an honest man, and someone who cares deeply about preserving the quality of life I have been fortunate to enjoy, for future generations. I am happy to discuss any issue, bill, or vote with anyone. My personal cell phone number is 860-508-1969.