Democratic Party Senators Calling It Quits

The ship is leaking and the rats are getting nervous.

By PETER WALLSTEN and NAFTALI BENDAVID

AFP/Getty Images

Sen. Christopher Dodd (center) at a news conference with Sen. Tom Harkin (left) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in December.

WASHINGTON—The retirements of two top Democratic senators underscore what many in the party had already conceded: The prognosis for Democrats in the 2010 midterm elections is looking bad.

In brief remarks Wednesday outside his home in East Haddon, Conn., Sen. Christopher Dodd confirmed he wouldn't seek re-election for a sixth term, bowing to political realities which see him trailing potential Republican opponents in a fall campaign.

Mr. Dodd said his decision wasn't based on any predictions about the November elections, although the senator also acknowledged he is in "the toughest political shape" of his career.

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