Stonington — As expected, the Republican Town Committee unanimously endorsed incumbent First Selectman Rob Simmons to run for re-election at its caucus on Thursday night.

Simmons’ Democratic opponent is unknown, as the Democratic Town Committee will hold its caucus on Monday night. As of yet, no Democrat has publicly announced an intention to challenge Simmons.

Town committee members also voted 29-6 to endorse former Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman John Prue to run for selectman. He was opposed by former Selectman Stephen Bessette, who has been very active in efforts to stop the proposed Amtrak bypass through the region and to extend Shoreline East train service to Mystic and Westerly. Bessette is also the moderator of the popular Stonington Community Forum Facebook page.

Simmons nominated Prue saying he and Prue are different people.

“We have different strengths and weaknesses but you don’t want a team that’s alike. You want people who can play different positions and have different thoughts,” he said.

Prue will replace Simmons’ 2015 running mate, unaffiliated voter Mike Spellman, who has decided not to seek re-election.

“I love Stonington. My desire to give back is why I’m here,” Prue told committee members. “I want to ensure the community remains a desirable place to live and a place future generations can live.”

There was some controversy over the nominating committee's recommended candidates to run for the Board of Finance. The committee had recommended the town committee endorse Democratic incumbent Tim O’Brien, and Republicans Blunt White, an incumbent, as well as Lynn Young and Lance Hamilton.

Town committee member Eric Janney questioned why the nominating committee endorsed a Democrat instead of Republican Rich Balestracci, a banker, who has expressed interest in the position.

“If we have a qualified Republican candidate why wouldn’t we nominate that person? We are the Republican Town Committee,” town committee member David Brown said.

The town committee then voted to endorse Young, by 30 votes, and Balestracci, by 29 votes, to run for two four-year positions. O’Brien received six votes. White and Hamilton were nominated to run for two-year terms.