Posts Tagged Robert Menendez

Yesterday a Quinnipiac poll pegged Rep. Rob Simmons’ lead over Connecticut’s senior United States Senator Chris Dodd at 16 points–a poll where Simmons, at this early stage, hits 50%.

This led to a flurry of speculation that Dodd, who previously seemed untouchable, could be beat–and even if the Democrats should primary Dodd in hopes of retaining the seat.

The DSCC quickly answered that question: a resounding no from DSCC Chairman Robert Menendez: “Are you serious? Chris Dodd is going to be re-elected. He’s a great senator.”

Instead the DSCC launched a quick attack aimed at Simmons, attacking him for links to lobbyists and special interests. The NRCC quickly responded by calling the spot hypocritical.

Despite the response, Ben Smith at Politico has suggested that Menendez, in tandem with the White House, may try getting Dodd to step away from the race by offering some high-profile appointment. Other options could be head of the Peace Corps or Ambassador to Mexico. That way, popular Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal could run. Presumably Blumenthal would be able to retain the seat.

It seems unlikely to me that those options seem “high-profile” to Dodd, as he stands front and center to the current banking crisis. If he does end up following through on his intentions to run, it will be an uphill battle; he even acknowledged yesterday, “I am the underdog.”