Senate Democrats Dodd And Dorgan Will Not Seek Reelection

As the U.S. moves into what promises to be a highly turbulent election year, Senators Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) have announced that they will seek reelection in 2010.

“This is my moment to step aside,” Dodd said Wednesday in a speech from his home state. “One year from this week, our state will have a new Senator.”

Dorgan issued a statement denying that his decision to leave the Senate was in response to the upcoming election, and added that he believes he could maintain control of his seat had he decided to run again.

Republicans have set their sights on both seats, with businesswoman and World Wrestling Entertainment co-founder Linda McMahon as a popular contender for Connecticut and North Dakota Governor John Hoeven gaining momentum in his state.

On a state level, Democratic Colorado Governor Bill Ritter will also not be seeking reelection. Michigan Lt. Governor John Cherry, also a Democrat, closed his gubernatorial campaign as well.