(MYSTIC) - Rob Simmons, candidate for US Senate, made the following statement in reaction to President Obama's announcement that the United States would make unilateral concessions on the use of nuclear weapons, including announcing it would pledge not to respond to a chemical, biological or cyber attack with nuclear weapons:

"President Obama's unilateral concessions are the wrong path for ensuring the security of the United States. Telegraphing to potential enemies that a chemical, biological or cyber attack on the United States will not be met with a nuclear response sends a dangerous message that could invite such an attack.

"While we all shudder to think of the United States launching a nuclear attack, such fear provides a valuable deterrent against all potential attacks against our nation. America's nuclear deterrent has limited threats against us and provided needed security for our allies and interests without having been used in over half a century. It will only continue to do so if our enemies view it as credible.

"Weakness is not a recipe for peace. Our enemies are always emboldened when America projects weakness. They are held at bay when we project strength.  The President's foreign policy, founded in apologies, unilateral concessions and promises of negotiations with dictators without preconditions, has weakened America's national security posture, and now has unilaterally taken defense options off the table, even in response to an attack with weapons of mass destruction. What was once a naïve foreign policy has now become a dangerous one.

"The President's decision highlights why we need more people in Washington who have national security experience and who understand how the world works.  When it comes to America's defenses, there is no room for on the job training or pollyanna experimentation.  These are serious times that demand serious leadership.

"I urge Attorney General Blumenthal to take a stand against this ill-considered decision."

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