Dodd Visits Trinity, Talks Finances
Rebecca Brown
Issue date: 3/31/09 Section: News
In addition to those controversies, Dodd's 2007 presidential bid in Iowa was a failure and he has already been criticized in the past for abusing his position on behalf of his friends. In particular, as pointed out by Ken Dautrich in an article republished in The Hartford Courant on Sunday, March 29, Dodd was able to get a presidential pardon for a friend convicted of insider trading back in 2001.
It was his involvement with the AIG bonus controversy that garnered Dodd his most recent unflattering press. After receiving billions of dollars in bailout, AIG awarded $165 million in bonuses for a number of their senior employees.
In the face of public outrage, Dodd first publicly denied questions that he had helped ease the restrictions on bonuses in the recently passed economic stimulus bill, saying, "This is another outrageous example of executives - including those whose decisions were responsible for the problems that caused AIG's collapse - enriching themselves at the expense of taxpayers. A car mechanic or teacher in Connecticut shouldn't have to subsidize the bad decisions of these executives." Dodd later admitted he had in fact been involved with the outcome of the amendment.
Realizing that for the first time in recent history there is a decent shot at having a competitive race against a democrat in a typically blue state, the Republican Party has selected former Congressman Rob Simmons to run against Dodd.
In an early look at the possible 2010 race, Quinnipiac University predicted as of Tuesday, March 10 that Dodd would get 42 percent to Simmons's 43 percent. Polling by Quinnipiac indicates that Connecticut voters approve 49 to 44 percent of Dodd's job.
Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz stated publicly that, "These numbers have to worry Sen. Christopher Dodd. Former Congressman Simmons is not well known outside his district, yet he is running neck and neck with Dodd at this point […] The good news for Dodd is that this is the first poll in a long time where Dodd's approval hasn't dropped. It appears that Dodd's slide may have ended."
Two issues that may sway voters one way or the other as the election draws closer are that of decriminalizing marijuana and legalizing the sale of liquor on Sundays.
When asked if "low-level users" of marijuana should face punishment similar to those who violate traffic laws, voters agreed 58 to 37 percent. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents of every age group approve of decriminalization.
Voters approve of legalizing the sale of liquor on Sundays 54 to 44 percent. There is a gender gap on the issue, however. Men agree 62 to 37 percent, whereas women disagree 50 percent to 48 percent. Men and women both oppose the sale of wine and hard liquor in grocery stores.
It was his involvement with the AIG bonus controversy that garnered Dodd his most recent unflattering press. After receiving billions of dollars in bailout, AIG awarded $165 million in bonuses for a number of their senior employees.
In the face of public outrage, Dodd first publicly denied questions that he had helped ease the restrictions on bonuses in the recently passed economic stimulus bill, saying, "This is another outrageous example of executives - including those whose decisions were responsible for the problems that caused AIG's collapse - enriching themselves at the expense of taxpayers. A car mechanic or teacher in Connecticut shouldn't have to subsidize the bad decisions of these executives." Dodd later admitted he had in fact been involved with the outcome of the amendment.
Realizing that for the first time in recent history there is a decent shot at having a competitive race against a democrat in a typically blue state, the Republican Party has selected former Congressman Rob Simmons to run against Dodd.
In an early look at the possible 2010 race, Quinnipiac University predicted as of Tuesday, March 10 that Dodd would get 42 percent to Simmons's 43 percent. Polling by Quinnipiac indicates that Connecticut voters approve 49 to 44 percent of Dodd's job.
Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz stated publicly that, "These numbers have to worry Sen. Christopher Dodd. Former Congressman Simmons is not well known outside his district, yet he is running neck and neck with Dodd at this point […] The good news for Dodd is that this is the first poll in a long time where Dodd's approval hasn't dropped. It appears that Dodd's slide may have ended."
Two issues that may sway voters one way or the other as the election draws closer are that of decriminalizing marijuana and legalizing the sale of liquor on Sundays.
When asked if "low-level users" of marijuana should face punishment similar to those who violate traffic laws, voters agreed 58 to 37 percent. Democrats, Republicans, and Independents of every age group approve of decriminalization.
Voters approve of legalizing the sale of liquor on Sundays 54 to 44 percent. There is a gender gap on the issue, however. Men agree 62 to 37 percent, whereas women disagree 50 percent to 48 percent. Men and women both oppose the sale of wine and hard liquor in grocery stores.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Robert Lockwood '60
posted 4/01/09 @ 1:04 PM EST
An excellent, balanced article. I commend the student audience for managing well the controversial issues, which could seriously undermine Dodd's 2010 race. (Continued…)
Post a Comment