Chris Dodd to step aside (WaPo, The Fix)

[highplainsdem]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/chris-dodd-to-step-aside.html

Embattled Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd (D) has scheduled a press conference at his home in Connecticut Wednesday at which he is expected to announce he will not seek re-election, according to sources familiar with his plans.

Dodd's retirement comes after months of speculation about his political future, and amid faltering polling numbers and a growing sense among the Democratic establishment that he could not win a sixth term. It also comes less than 24 hours after Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) announced he would not seek re-election.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is widely expected to step into the void filled by Dodd and, at least at first blush, should drastically increase Democrats' chances of holding the seat.

Blumenthal, who has served as state Attorney General since 1990, is the most popular politician in the state and has long coveted a Senate seat; he had already signaled that he would run for the Democratic nomination against Sen. Joe Lieberman (I) in 2012. (A sidenote: Assuming Blumenthal gets in to the race, Rep. Chris Murphy could be the long-term beneficiary as he is widely regarded as a rising star and would be at the top of the list of Democratic hopefuls to challenge Lieberman in 2012.)

Without Dodd as a foil, Republicans chances of taking over a seat in this solidly blue state are considerably diminished. Former Rep. Rob Simmons and wealthy businesswoman Linda McMahon are battling it out for the Republican nod but either would start as an underdog in a general election matchup with Blumenthal.

[napi21]

1. I hink Chris is doing a wise thing. He has been reading the handwriting

on the wall for quite a while and not seeing any improvement. I like Chris, but I prefer a lot of these old guys who spent YEARS in office should consider returement. I appreciate the benefits of experience and knowing how the House & Senate work, but it doesn't take 10-30 years to learn that! Several of our new Dems have proven that!

[rwheeler31]

2. This is best for his young children I hope he has a long

and happy retirement. He has done a great job.

[FBaggins]

3. Good

That seat was almost a lock for the RW as things stood. Now we have a solid chance of retaining it.

Almost offsets the Dorgan news

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. Good

He needs to go.

[jillan]

5. wow - whose next? We still have to hope we can hold onto Obama and Biden's seat.

Hopefully this Blumenthal guy in Conn turns out to be worthy of winning.

[discocrisco01]

6. Dodd

It is sorry to see him go.

[usregimechange]

7. Anyone know more about Blumenthal?

[bleever]

8. Sen. Dodd is more than worthy of the status of elder statesman, and

the opportunities that lie in bringing his expertise into further spheres of influence.