sen. christopher dodd (d-ct)
photo credit // dodd.senate.gov
Washington, DC -
Long term Democrat Senators Christopher Dodd (CT) and Byron Dorgan (ND) announced today that they will not seek re-election in the fall. With these two key withdrawals, Democrats are not likely to maintain the 60 seat filibuster proof majority they currently enjoy.
Legislation which could repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) and various other LGBT agenda items promised to the community by then candidate Barack Obama appear to be doomed as other key Democrat Senators, specifically Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), are also in peril of re-election.
President Obama's failure to strongly advocate LGBT concerns early in his term when the votes for passage were available further seals the fate of changes in DOMA or DADT.
Frustrating LGBT voters is the fact that Obama could ostensibly repeal DADT with the stroke of a pen. He could also "call off the dogs" on DOMA court cases by instructing the Justice Department and Attorney General Eric Holder to refrain from filing oppositionist motions.
Fear of reprisal from voters also has many House members scrambling, mostly on the Democrat side of the aisle. Introduction and support of controversial same sex oriented legislation which will raise the ire of conservative voters will more than likely be avoided. Bills which have been introduced in the House have been tabled since there is no likelihood of Senate passage.
Dodd, 65, has been under assault from his Connecticut constituency following questionable deals with Countrywide Financial Mortgage. His polling put his re-election chances at poor. Dodd has served in the Senate for almost 30 years and is currently Chairman of the powerful Senate Banking Committee.
Dodd's decision does not guarantee a change to the Republicans for the seat. Had he chosen to stay in the race, Republicans would have been in a much stronger position. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) announced his candidacy for the seat today following Dodd's official announcement.
Dorgan, 67, a three term Democrat from a mostly Republican state, would have faced popular Republican Gov. John Hoeven who is running for the Senate seat. Recent polls had Dorgan trailing by 22 points.
Legislation which could repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) and various other LGBT agenda items promised to the community by then candidate Barack Obama appear to be doomed as other key Democrat Senators, specifically Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), are also in peril of re-election.
President Obama's failure to strongly advocate LGBT concerns early in his term when the votes for passage were available further seals the fate of changes in DOMA or DADT.
Frustrating LGBT voters is the fact that Obama could ostensibly repeal DADT with the stroke of a pen. He could also "call off the dogs" on DOMA court cases by instructing the Justice Department and Attorney General Eric Holder to refrain from filing oppositionist motions.
Fear of reprisal from voters also has many House members scrambling, mostly on the Democrat side of the aisle. Introduction and support of controversial same sex oriented legislation which will raise the ire of conservative voters will more than likely be avoided. Bills which have been introduced in the House have been tabled since there is no likelihood of Senate passage.
Dodd, 65, has been under assault from his Connecticut constituency following questionable deals with Countrywide Financial Mortgage. His polling put his re-election chances at poor. Dodd has served in the Senate for almost 30 years and is currently Chairman of the powerful Senate Banking Committee.
Dodd's decision does not guarantee a change to the Republicans for the seat. Had he chosen to stay in the race, Republicans would have been in a much stronger position. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) announced his candidacy for the seat today following Dodd's official announcement.
Dorgan, 67, a three term Democrat from a mostly Republican state, would have faced popular Republican Gov. John Hoeven who is running for the Senate seat. Recent polls had Dorgan trailing by 22 points.
