In one of his columns Rennie claimed that a local attorney named John Moore had written a letter to the local planning commission, (in 1993 or 94), urging that they speed along construction approvals because Dodd was such a good friend of Galway/Digital/Galway. Were those renovations ever made, and if so, who paid for them?

So I’ll agree that the Countrywide “scandal” was utter bullshit, but let’s not pretend that there’s no “there” there when it comes to the Irish cottage, because I don’t think anyone yet knows.

And I’ll reiterate that facts and legalities might not matter much in the political equation. Look what the GOP did with Countrywide, and imagine what would happen once they started running ads about Dodd, a DC condo, a vacation cottage, and a pardoned insider trader.

So you are saying Dodd’s numbers will go up…that will also mean that CT resdients approve of his ethical lapses. They didn’t for Rowland why do you think they will for him. Unlike Rowland’s, Dodd’s misgivings coupled with his “leadership” of the Banks Committee are just about as bad as you can get.

There is no concrete proof Dodd knew that he was getting a better deal on his mortgage unlike Rowland who knew his lake cottage was being renovated in exchange for state contracts. It takes balls to compare what Dodd did to the corruption of the Rowland era.

Second, chairing the Banking Committee is no easy gig when the economic world is falling apart. Moreover, I doubt that 8 out of 10 voters could name the committee he chairs and therefore it’s a mute point.

His numbers will go up but that won’t mean CT residents believe it ethical lapses…it means they will re-elect a man who has delivered for this state time and time again once he earns their trust via a tough campaign.

Reminds me a lot of DeStefano in 2006, where it was always going to be the next poll that was going to show him rebounding. Somehow that next poll never showed up.

Here’s the difference – DeStefano was a long-term mayor of a big city who had never run a statewide race against one of the most popular incumbents in state history. Dodd has been elected to statewide office since 1980 and never faced a serious challenge before now. Additionally, though you wouldn’t think so now, Dodd has been very popular in the state. Every single person in the state has an opinion on him and a good portion of the state has voted for him before. DeStefano could not say the same. And so when I say Dodd’s numbers can and will go up, it’s a lot different.

This poll doesn’t scare me and it shouldn’t scare Dodd.

Reminds me a lot of DeStefano in 2006, where it was always going to be the next poll that was going to show him rebounding. Somehow that next poll never showed up.

She wasn’t tested. Her opponent was John DeStefano.

It’s not the responsibility of the Republican Party to select Democratic candidates.

We assumed they put up the “best” candidate they could find.

That CT voters have consistently rejected Democratic Gubernatorial candidates since 1990 indicates their party leaders have failed to align themselves with voters.

2010 doesn’t look like it will be any better.

Unless Amann were to somehow win the nomination, 2010 will be a real race for Jodi Rell.

He’s the only real shot the Dems have; the rest are cannon fodder.

She was “finally tested” in 2006 and she mopped the floor with the guy without even getting her hands dirty.

She wasn’t tested. Her opponent was John DeStefano. The only way he could test Rell is in a competition of people who are popular and re-elected despite their job performance.

Unless Amann were to somehow win the nomination, 2010 will be a real race for Jodi Rell.

… when she’s finally tested in 2010.

She was “finally tested” in 2006 and she mopped the floor with the guy without even getting her hands dirty.

Her consistently high approval numbers speak volumes; she has frequently enjoyed the highest approval numbers of any Governor in the United States and has never dropped below top 5 or 10 for even a week.

However, for the sake of the CT Democratic party, Dodd should put an early end to this fiasco by announcing his retirement.

The CT GOP stands to gain traction from this fight, and it could prove costly. Dems could lose this Senate seat, as well as the hard fought 4th.

Previously I had thought that Dodd should take 6-8 months and make his decision in late fall. Now I don’t know. This is setting up to be a perfect storm against the Senator.

Perhaps Rell’s popularity is a sign that the general public finally realizes we’ve got dullards controlling the legislature.

I’d say it’s a sign of a masterful public relations effort. I don’t know who else to point to other than Rell when it comes to the complete lack of vision for the state of Connecticut and the atrocious job growth numbers. Turnover in the legislative leadership is relatively high. Ritter, Lyons, Amann, and Donovan have all brought their own politics to the House leadership. What’s been consistent since 1995 is Jodi Rell’s presence in one of the state’s two highest offices.

I’m almost impressed. If someone I supported did such an awful job and had such high approval ratings, I’d be delighted. I hope, though, that I would never support someone who did such an awful job, and I think the voters in Connecticut will catch on when she’s finally tested in 2010.

Caligiuri, although beating Dodd, is the weakest of the 3 likely GOP candidates – perhaps too far to the right for the independent vote; and

He’s no more “right” than Reagan and you might recall he did quite well here.

MOST people will vote for common sense and integrity regardless of ideology.

does everyone remember that George Bush I was “unbeatable” in March/April 1991 after Gulf War I?

CT2,

A valid point, but keep in mind that it is much easier to go from “popular” to “unpopular” in the polls than it is going from “unpopular” to “popular.”

no matter where you sit, these poll numbers for Dodd are bad news.

Caligiuri, although beating Dodd, is the weakest of the 3 likely GOP candidates – perhaps too far to the right for the independent vote; and

Gov. Rell’s still stratospheric poll ratings. Can’t be a good sign for the Dems running for Governor but also NEVER translates into votes for GOP candidates running elsewhere on the ballot.

This guy is sucking wind but refuses to take a toke off his puffer. Run Dodd, run!

Let’s get going here.
Your fan base doesn’t even have a current email for you anymore.

When one clicks your name they get taken a site that says:

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Alex P. Keaton said:
Perhaps Rell’s popularity is a sign that the general public finally realizes we’ve got dullards controlling the legislature.

“dullards”??
You’re too kind.

I do think the average Joe is coming to realization that Jodi is among the few “grown-ups” at the Capitol; *and* that she is a decent, kind, honest woman – free of any weird agendas.

But the epiphany arrives late: We’re stuck with mopey freshmen who already appear cozy under the majority’s blanket of cluelessness.

Well put.