Posted by David Lightman of the Hartford Courant at 12:59 pm CDT
The reaction in the political world to the news Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) is thinking of running for presidency was first: "Huh?" And then: "well, why not?"
Analysts had the same thoughts: He's a proven insider, but wander a few blocks from Capitol Hill and people wouldn't know him. And he needs to raise a lot of money, and he's got to compete with a number of other senators--Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Joe Biden, Evan Bayh--and tap the same financial pool.
But no one would dismiss Dodd's chances. "This is a wide open race. It's too early to tell what may happen," said former New Hampshire Democratic Chairman Joe Keefe, a sentiment echoed widely.
On paper, people said, Dodd has the resume: Party general chairman, plenty of experience debating a wide range of issues, electoral success, and an engaging personality. Then again, they added, that could also describe a lot of his competitors. "In this environment," said Mark Wrighton, assistant professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire, "anybody has a shot."
(The Courant is one of the Chicago Tribune's sister papers. Both are owned by the Tribune Co.)
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Comments
Will Teddy be his running mate so the two of them can tour the country making their famous "waitress" sandwiches?
Posted by: Terry | May 23, 2006 7:24 PM
I would like to know what Sen. Dodd has to say about the key issues in our county today. Where does he stand on immigration, Iraq war, schools, taxes for the "rich". These things will make me decide how I would feel about backing this man.
I am a senior citizen that has seen this country go downhill for the last 8 years and would like to see someone in the White House that is not a "good old boy". Someone who would stand up for the "little people". If this man is willing and intends to do this I am all for him.
Posted by: Clarice Boucher | May 24, 2006 9:38 AM