Alan K. Simpson

Alan Kooi Simpson born September 2 1931 is an American politician and member of the Republican Party who represented Wyoming in the United States Senate 19791997 He also served as cochair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform with Democratic Party cochair Erskine Bowles of North Carolina Born in Denver Colorado Simpson graduated from the University of Wyomings law school 1958 Simpson served in the Wyoming House of Representatives 19651977 and won election to the United States Senate 1978 His father Milward Simpson had served in the same seat 19621967 Simpson served as the Senate Republican Whip 19851995 After serving three terms in the Senate Simpson declined to seek reelection in 1996 Since leaving office Simpson has practiced law and taught at different universities He also served on the Continuity of Government Commission the American Battle Monuments Commission and the Iraq Study Group In 2010 President Barack Obama appointed him to cochair the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform which made several recommendations on ways to reduce the national debt He has been a vocal proponent of amending the US Constitution to overturn Citizens United v FEC 2010 and allow Congress to set reasonable limits on campaign spending in US elections