Democratic strategists had hoped that Sen. Chris Dodd’s (D-Conn.) standing with Connecticut voters would improve as he worked to reestablish ties to his home state, but his numbers look worse than ever, according to a new Quinnipiac survey.
Dodd’s poll numbers tanked following a failed presidential bid in which he moved his family to Iowa — as well as unfavorable news coverage relating to a special rate, “V.I.P.” loan he received from Countrywide Financial in 2008.
40% of respondents approve of Dodd’s job performance, while 55% disapprove. 53% say he does not deserve reelection. Former GOP Rep. Rob Simmons would defeat Dodd 49% to 38%. Dodd would also trails former World Wrestling Entertainment executive Linda McMahon by a 43% to 41% margin.
Money quote: “Even potential Republican contenders with almost no name recognition and almost no Republican primary voter support give Dodd a run for his money.”
With numbers like these, one has to wonder if Dodd will try and save face and look for a graceful exit, rather than end a 30-year Senate career on the GOP’s terms.
Matthew Spieler
Matthew Spieler is a former policy analyst for Congressional Quarterly, where he covered health care, education, labor, and veterans’ affairs. A graduate of The George Washington University, he has also worked as a reporter for CQ covering ...
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