January 6, 2010: At noon today, Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) officially announced his decision not to run for re-election. Dodd began his speech by offering his “deepest gratitude to the people of Connecticut for the remarkable privilege of being elected eight times over the past four decades to our national assembly.”
His full remarks, which focused on his family and Senate colleagues, are available here.
TPM takes a look back at the life and career of the legislator who spent over three decades in the U.S. Senate.
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
A young Chris Dodd listens attentively as a book is read to him.
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Dodd (on ground to the left) with his family.
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Dodd with his brothers and father.
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
Referencing health care reform in his departing speech, Dodd had this to say about his long-time Senate colleague:
“An hour later I was standing on the Virginia hillside at Arlington Cemetery, where Ted Kennedy rests, along with his brothers in eternity, as he is in history, wishing I could have seen the look in Teddy’s eyes as the Senate took that historic step only an hour before.”
Photo courtesy of Sen. Chris Dodd’s office
