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Obama Senate ally Dodd steps down Obama Senate ally Dodd steps down
(about 1 hour later)
US Senator Chris Dodd, a key ally of President Barack Obama, has announced that he will not seek re-election in November.US Senator Chris Dodd, a key ally of President Barack Obama, has announced that he will not seek re-election in November.
In a statement, Mr Obama thanked him for his service and said his leadership on Capitol Hill would be missed.
Mr Dodd's move follows the decision by fellow Democratic Senator Byron Dorgan not to stand again.Mr Dodd's move follows the decision by fellow Democratic Senator Byron Dorgan not to stand again.
The Democrats have 60 Senate votes, just enough to overcome Republican efforts to block legislation.The Democrats have 60 Senate votes, just enough to overcome Republican efforts to block legislation.
The balance of power could change after November's elections, when a third of the 100 Senate seats will be contested.The balance of power could change after November's elections, when a third of the 100 Senate seats will be contested.
None of us is irreplaceable, none of us are indispensable - and those who think otherwise are dangerous Chris Dodd Obama's congressional battleground
Voters will also elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives.Voters will also elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives.
Senator Dodd, who chairs the Senate banking committee, made the announcement that he would not be seeking re-election for a sixth term at his home in East Haddam, in the state of Connecticut. Senator Dodd, who chairs the Senate banking committee, made the announcement that he would not be seeking re-election for a sixth term outside his home in East Haddam, in the state of Connecticut.
"In the long sweep of American history there are moments for each elected public official to step aside and let someone else step up. This is my moment to step aside," Mr Dodd told reporters. "I have been a Connecticut senator for 30 years. I'm very proud of the job I've done and the results delivered," Mr Dodd told reporters.
"But none of us is irreplaceable. None of us are indispensable. And those who think otherwise are dangerous," he added.
"In the long sweep of American history there are moments for each elected public official to step aside and let someone else step up. This is my moment to step aside."
EmbattledEmbattled
The 65-year-old Connecticut senator has been a key figure in efforts to deal with the financial crisis, and the healthcare debate.The 65-year-old Connecticut senator has been a key figure in efforts to deal with the financial crisis, and the healthcare debate.
However, Mr Dodd, a former presidential hopeful, has been increasingly embattled since 2008 amid criticisms over a loan he received from a subprime lender. But Mr Dodd, a former presidential hopeful, has been increasingly embattled since 2008 amid criticisms over a loan he received from a subprime lender.
Opinion polls have suggested that he would not win re-election in November. Correspondents say his decision to retire would allow the Democratic Party to field a stronger candidate. Opinion polls have suggested that he would not win re-election in November and Mr Dodd appeared to acknowledge this as he admitted he found himself in the "toughest political shape of my career".
However, the decision by Senator Dorgan not to seek re-election in North Dakota is being seen as a big blow to the Democrats. He said personal challenges, including battling with prostate cancer and the death of his sister over the past year, had also influenced his decision.
Correspondents say his decision to retire will allow the Democratic Party to field a stronger candidate.
But Senator Dorgan's decision not to seek re-election in North Dakota is being seen as a big blow to the Democrats.
The Democrats, with the help of two independents, currently have a 60 to 40 seat majority in the Senate - the threshold number that allows them to override Republican attempts to hold up legislation.The Democrats, with the help of two independents, currently have a 60 to 40 seat majority in the Senate - the threshold number that allows them to override Republican attempts to hold up legislation.
The party in power in the White House tends to lose congressional seats in mid-term elections.The party in power in the White House tends to lose congressional seats in mid-term elections.