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 1975 to 1985, and in United States Senate from 1985 to 1997. A member of the Democratic Party, he unsuccessfully ran for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination. Simon was famous for his distinctive appearance that included a bowtie and horn-rimmed glasses.
Simon was born on November 29, 1928 in Eugene, Oregon. He studied at the University of Oregon and attended Dana College.
Simon was married to Jeanne Hurley from 1960 until her death in 2000. Then he was married to Patricia Derge from 2001 until his death in 2003. He had two children with Jeanne. One of them was Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Sheila Simon.
Simon died on December 9, 2003 from surgical complications after undergoing heart surgery in Springfield, Illinois, aged 75.