Biden visits Conn.; Dodd a no-show

(WTNH) - Vice President Joe Biden was in Hartford and East Hartford today to pitch policy and raise money, but the man he came to help support wasn't there.

At both the fundraiser in Hartford and the event at the firehouse in East Hartford, Biden heaped praise on Sen. Chris Dodd, calling him the most gifted legislator in the Congress now that Ted Kennedy is gone. Biden said that while working on the national recovery program, he frequently depends on the Connecticut senator.

"You know who I call? To weigh in with me, to help me get it done? I call Chris Dodd," Biden said.

Dodd was tied up by important votes in the Senate today so his wife Jackie took on the handshaking duties at both events.

Protestors carrying 'Dump Dodd' posters blended with conservatives with the Tea Bag movement outside the fundraiser at the new Connecticut Science Center; the event raised about $100,000 for Dodd's campaign and the Democratic Party.

In East Hartford, Biden announced that $3.4 million in stimulus money would be going to the city for a new firehouse. Biden says the Recovery Act, with Dodd's help, is working.

"To those who criticize us for doing this, I say; what would you do? While Wall Street recovers and Main Street drowns," he said.

In East Hartford, there were nothing but praise from Dodd cheerleaders, who despite his public opinion poll difficulties, continue to tote the line, singing praise of his accomplishments.

"The billions of opportunities he's provided for residents of my community, with contracts for engines and the military and so forth and looking into eastern Connecticut," said Rep. Tim Larson (D-East Hartford).

But outside, a young Democratic businessman from Mystic who is challenging Dodd for the nomination, says it's time for Dodd to go.

"It's unequivocally what I'm hearing. I'm hearing them tell me straight out, they told me this last night in the Litchfield hills, that if Senator Dodd is our nominee, not only will we lose the Senate seat, but there's a good chance there'll be a huge drag on the ticket," said Merrick Alpert (D-Candidate for US Senate).

Several Republicans are already lined up to challenge Dodd next year, including former representative Rob Simmons and former WWE CEO Linda McMahon.