Dodd to Join Ritter, Dorgan in Dem Exodus

Connecticut Dem second senator to eschew re-election bid in 24 hours

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 6, 2010 1:25 AM CST
Updated Jan 6, 2010 7:58 AM CST

Copied

Dodd to Join Ritter, Dorgan in Dem Exodus — Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd listens to witness testimony on Capitol Hill in Washington last year. (AP photo/Harry Hamburg, FILE)

Embattled Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd plans to announce today that he will not seek re-election this year, ending a 30-year Senate career, according to Democratic sources. Dodd joins Sen. Byron Dorgan who announced his exit less than 24 hours ago, and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, expected to do the same today. Dodd has been trailing in the polls, and his resignation is expected to give the Democrats a better chance of keeping the seat, the Washington Post reports.

Popular state attorney general Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, is expected to enter the race. Dodd is one of the Senate's most powerful Democrats, but his popularity has plunged since 2008. As Senate Banking Committee chairman, he was attacked over the stimulus plan and Wall Street bailout. His political future was further thrown into doubt when he was attacked for receiving a VIP loan from a subprime lender.
(More Senate stories.)

Report an error