The United States Congress’ approval rating is currently sitting at or around 25 percent. This anemic figure is representative of a few factors: 1) A deflated economy, replete with little to no job creation. 2) A palpable sense of partisan fatigue, created by the non-stop jousting between the two major parties. 3) A general distrust, disdain, and dislike for the members of Congress who hold national leadership positions. This is hardly a place where a newcomer to the game would find safe haven. But there are several challengers vying to shake up Washington politics, and inject their brand of sensible leadership into the pool. This is the second part of my examination of the 2010 electoral races they may play a huge part shaping policy for the next two to six years.
Today’s focus is the five-time senator from my home state of Connecticut, Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT). I first met Senator Dodd when I was twelve years old. The senator made a visit to my junior high school, and I was one of the fortunate few who was asked to welcome him to our school. I’m sure I didn’t fully grasp the importance of the situation or the man then, but I knew that it was significant in some way. The senator looked me in my eye, asked what my name was, and told me it was a pleasure meeting me. I was able to sit on stage as Senator Dodd spoke to my class. He even made reference to me in his introductory remarks. There was no bigger thrill for me than that. After that event, I made it a point to follow his career, even when I no longer lived in Connecticut.
Politicians seem to believe that they have a longer shelf life in their occupation. Most of them believe that they are entitled to the job. I don’t believe that Senator Dodd is an exception to this rule. After a distinguished public career that has spanned nearly 40 years of service to the disenfranchised, Dodd has become a polarizing figure for those eager for a break from tenured political figures.
Senator Dodd has been embroiled in several potentially scurrilous incidences, including the AIG bonus fiasco– where he claimed to not know about bonuses insurance executives received after being bailed out by the federal government– even though he signed off on legislation, proving to the contrary. He, along with Senator Kent Conrad, was also investigated in a mortgage scandal. The senator was accused of accepting a sweetheart deal from Countrywide Mortgage in the midst of the housing crisis. These charges have since been dismissed, but I cannot help but wonder what damage this has done to Dodd’s crystalline reputation in the nutmeg state.
The senator’s poll numbers have been abysmal for some time now, often trending into negative territory. How much of that is just plain old voter fatigue with incumbents, and how much is it mistrust and lost faith in Dodd? It’s probably impossible to tell at this point. Several able challengers have lined up to take on the vulnerable senior senator. GOP Congressman Rob Simmons, as of September 11th, wins an election with Dodd by five points. Another GOP challenger, Peter Schiff, is a successful businessman who has strong economic credentials, and good core support. This will make for the most difficult race Senator Dodd has ever had. Is he up to it? Are the people of Connecticut willing to trust him for another six years?
Senator Dodd has gone through a lot recently. He is currently overcoming a bout with prostate cancer, and has had to deal with the death of his friend Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). Add this to the already taxing demands of the job itself, and the controversies surrounding him, and you can see why it could be time for him to pack it in. From what I know of him, I would say that that option is no option. I believe he will fight until he can no longer fight. He’s overcome the odds before. Let’s see if he can do so one more time. 2010 should be fun.
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