Dodd’s exit gives Dems better shot at saving Senate seat in 2010

Sen. Chris Dodd’s (D) exit has made way for popular Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, also a Democrat, to become the favorite in Connecticut’s Senate race.

It also has left Republicans struggling to figure out how to win a seat that had once looked like a likely 2010 pick-up for the party.

While Sen. Byron Dorgan’s (D-N.D.) retirement leaves Democrats trying to retain a seat in a deep-red state, Dodd’s exit could actually help his party keep a seat.

{mosads}Blumenthal is one of the most popular statewide officeholders in the country, and his entry changes the trajectory of the Senate race in a major way.

Immediately after Dodd’s announcement Wednesday, Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling released a survey showing Blumenthal leading all Republican candidates for the seat by more than 30 points.

He led former Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.) by a 59-28 margin and former WWE CEO Linda McMahon by a 60-28 spread. In matchups with the incumbent, Simmons and McMahon were both either tied or leading.

Dodd’s GOP challengers said Wednesday they would remain in the race with or without Dodd.
 
Blumenthal’s approval in the poll stood at 59 percent, with just 19 percent disapproving. In other surveys, his approval has polled as high as 78 percent. He has served five terms in his current office, making him a well-known commodity in the Nutmeg State.

He wasted no time jumping into the race, which suggests there was an arrangement for Blumenthal to take over Dodd’s seat.

Dodd succumbed to allegations of ethical misconduct stemming from a special mortgage with Countrywide Financial, a cottage in Ireland and a flap over a provision he put into the bailout bill which allowed AIG executives to keep their massive bonuses.

He said in a press conference shortly after noon that he regretted causing his constituents to doubt him.

“Let me be clear: I’m very aware of my present political standing here at home in Connecticut, but it’s equally clear that any certain prediction about an election victory or defeat a year from now would be absurd,” Dodd said.

Despite Dodd’s sentiments, with Blumenthal in the race, handicappers immediately began saying Democrats are now favored or that the seat is safe.

Following the eventful morning, Republicans insisted the seat is still in play. They said an environment that is looking bleak for other Democrats will color the race with Blumenthal as well.

“Whether it’s Chris Dodd, Dick Blumenthal or any other Connecticut Democrat, the reality is the voters have had enough of the bailouts, the buyouts and government takeovers and they are ready for a change in Washington,” said Connecticut GOP Chairman Chris Healy.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee immediately set out to tie Blumenthal to Dodd, calling him the senator’s “protégé.”

NRSC spokeswoman Amber Marchand said “voters won’t look the other way when they cast their ballots to restore checks and balances in Washington this November. The last thing the people of Connecticut need is another 20-year member of the old boys’ club to represent them in the U.S. Senate.”

Republican candidates were faced Wednesday with a much tougher race than they had on Tuesday, but both Simmons and McMahon said they are committed to staying in the race.

Simmons said he is girding for the challenge of a Senate race.

“My entire political career is defined by running in tough races, and I expect no less this time around,” Simmons said. “But I believe voters in Connecticut are seeking real changes in the way government operates, and I am the only candidate who has the broad experience and track record to deliver for the state and nation.”

Should either Simmons or McMahon change their minds, the state’s governor’s race could provide a more attractive alternative for either of them. One Senate candidate, former Ambassador Tom Foley, already switched to that race after Gov. Jodi Rell (R) announced she would not seek reelection.

Simmons could also run for his old congressional seat against Rep. Joe Courtney (D), who beat Simmons by just 83 votes in 2006. But the district remains a tough one for Republicans.

Dodd’s exit came alongside Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter’s (D) retirement announcement Wednesday. Dorgan said late Tuesday that he wouldn’t run for reelection. Both Ritter’s and Dorgan’s seats will be top GOP pickup opportunities.