Republicans, Dems try to ditch Dodd

Hartford (WTNH) - The national Republican Party has placed a bulls-eye on Connnecticut Democratic Senator Chris Dodd. And within his own party he's facing a challenger and talk that he should step aside for the good of the party.

In an e-mail to plea for donations from supporters last week Dodd said, "The Republicans have declared my seat as one of their top targets and they intend to spend whatever it takes to win."

But it's clear, Sen. Dodd's troubles are not just with Republicans.

He is starting the new year visiting small businesses across the state and noted that it was 35-years ago this week that he was first sworn in as a member of Congress; and two years ago this week that he came in dead last in the Iowa Caucuses when he ran for President of the United States.

"I realize when things get tough, sometimes the crowds can get smaller and it gets a little quite. But I've been at these points before, seen it happen. That doesn't necessarily discourage me," said Sen. Dodd.

The young Democratic businessman from Mystic, who is challenging Sen. Dodd from within the party, embarked on another long campaign walk through in Central Connecticut Monday. He said that Sen. Dodd's work on health care and other high profile issues has not made any difference.

"Well, I think people are past that to be blunt. It's like having the President come here for him or the Vice President, or the half million dollars of commercials that he ran; it's not moving the needle one inch for him," said Merrick Alpert [D] for U.S. Senate.

"Clearly, I'm glad the race isn't today and the good news is it's not," said Sen. Dodd.

Alpert, who walked the entire length of the Connecticut shoreline late last year, said he's now confident of getting the delegates he needs to wage a primary and will get the necessary signatures as well.

"They view this fellow as out of touch and they view him as not being honest and trustworthy. When you look at the polling data, it lines up with what people tell me at Democratic town committees across the state," said Alpert.

But Sen. Dodd is ever the optimist and said that things can change very rapidly in politics.

"On September 10 of 2001 you couldn't have given a nickel for Rudy Guiliani's chances in the state of New York for any job; 48 hours later he was 'America's Mayor," said Sen. Dodd.

Sen. Dodd acknowledged, Monday, that some Democrats are saying that they'd like him to step aside in favor of Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

"Well, ya know, it's not uncommon talk I suppose. If they look at numbers, where they are today, you understand why people get antsy," said Sen. Dodd.

There are two millionaires -- former WWE/CEO Linda McMahon and Stock Market Guru Peter Schiff -- battling it out with former Congressman Rob Simmons for the Republican nomination for the opportunity to face off against Dodd in November; that is if Sen. Dodd is the nominee and he insists he will be.