The Tripod

As the 2010 elections draw nearer, Chris Dodd's (D-Conn.) senate seat becomes increasingly precarious. As of Monday, Nov. 2, RealClearPolitics noted that Dodd's poll numbers continue to be lower than those of his rival, former Congressman Rob Simmons. Quinnipiac and Rasmussen Reports have Dodd down 39 to 49, while Daily Kos has him at 42 to 46.

Chief among Dodd's troubles are his involvement with this year's American International Group (AIG) bonus scandal and Countrywide Financial Corp, which has been accused of favoring influential legislators. On Friday, Oct. 23, the House Oversight Committee announced it would be subpoenaing Countrywide for records regarding favorable loans that may have offered.

In comments to Edmund H. Mahony of The Hartford Courant, as reported in the Saturday, Oct. 24, article titled "U.S. House Committee to Subpoena Countrywide Records", Simmons said, "For months I have been advocating a full and fair investigation into the Countrywide VIP loan scandal that has enveloped Sen. Dodd, and despite his wishful thinking that the 'matter's behind us,' I am pleased that the public may finally get the truth."

In the same article, Dodd is reported as saying, "In my case, the bipartisan ethics committee found that my rates and terms were standard and that there was no special deal […] It's clear that this once respected company has not had the cleanest track record."

Yet, despite Dodd's Washington woes, President Barack Obama publicly supported him at a fundraiser held in Stamford, Conn. last week. Repeatedly referring to Dodd as a "friend" and a "Senate favorite", Obama made it clear the Senator had his endorsement in the ongoing campaign.

Dodd, meanwhile, continues to work on various financial issues as chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, specifically those relating to housing and tax. On Thursday, Oct. 29, Dodd publicly praised an agreement ensuring access to a tax credit meant to turn around the housing market and offer some economic security for the middle class.

"Every economist will tell you we have to steady the housing market before the economy will turn around," said Dodd in a press release. "We can't afford to let this tax credit expire now. We need to be fighting with everything we've got."

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