Paul Simon (politician)

Paul Martin Simon (November 29, 1928 ? December 9, 2003) was an American politician from Illinois. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1974 to 1985 and United States Senate from 1985 to 1997. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988. During the campaign, he briefly captured the national attention and was considered a major candidate. This lead to an appearance on the popular television show Saturday Night Live, co-hosting with celebrated singer Paul Simon.

Death and Beyond

Simon died in Springfield, Illinois following heart surgery at the age of 75. Just four days before, despite being hospitalized and awaiting surgery, he had endorsed Howard Dean's 2004 presidential bid in a telephone conference call he conducted from his hospital bed. He was also an early supporter of current Illinois Senator Barack Obama, having made a television commercial that later aired in downstate Illinois after his death. His endorsement was used effectively and was considered a major reason for Obama's surprise victory in the Democratic primary.

Related Topics:
Springfield, Illinois - Heart surgery - Howard Dean - Conference call - Barack Obama

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