United Liberty

Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) has decided to retire, becoming the latest Democrat to not seek re-election in 2010:

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.

While ordinarily a struggling Democrat retiring is good news for Republicans (such as Byron Dorgan), this is likely not the case in Connecticut. Voters had not responded well to Dodd since his ethics problems came to light, and polls showed that he was trailing two of his potential Republican challengers (Peter Schiff was also leading Dodd).

Richard Blumenthal (D), Connecticut’s Attorney General, has indictated that he plans to run for the seat. He is the most popular politician in the state, with approval rating of 78%

Will get an idea for sure in a week or so as pollsters get a feel for the state, but Dodd’s retirement probably saved this seat for his party.