EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 2010, has been elected chairman of the conservative Yankee Institute for Public Policy.

Fergus Cullen, the think tank's executive director, announced Tuesday that Simmons was unanimously elected at the group's annual meeting on Monday.

Simmons succeeds Andrew Cowin of Greenwich, who stepped down after serving eight years. Cowin will continue to serve on the institute's board.

Yankee Institute refers to itself as a free-market think tank that supports lower taxes and limited government.

Cullen said Simmons is a "great fit" for the institute as it continues to grow and expand its influence.

Simmons, who lives in Stonington, served in the General Assembly from 1991-to-2001 and in Congress from 2001-to-2007. He is a retired U.S. Army Colonel.