Chris Dodd to step down from Senate

Less than 24 hours after Sen. Byron Dorgan announced his retirement from the Senate, Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut says that he will step down at the end of his term.

Dodd’s departure from Senate will be another blow to a weakening support base for the Democrat party.

Dodd has served in Senate for nearly 30 years, but appeared to be facing a difficult race in November.  Media covereage of an alleged sweetheart mortgage deal with subprime lender Countrywide was overshadowing his bid for re-election.

According to the Associated Press, Dodd’s seat will be sought after by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who is expected to announce his candidacy later today.

On the Republican side, Linda McMahon is enjoying a favorable showing in early polls.  McMahon is the wife of World Wrestling Entertainment (formally WWF) founder Vince McMahon.  She is also the former CEO of the publicly traded company.