Pro-Abortion Connecticut Senator Considering 2008 Presidential Run

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jan 1, 2009   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Pro-Abortion Connecticut Senator Considering 2008 Presidential Run Email this article
Printer friendly page

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 23, 2006

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Add pro-abortion Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd to the list of potential Democratic candidates running for president in 2008. Dodd announced Tuesday that he’s putting together an exploratory committee to weigh his options and make preparations for a possible White House bid.

Dodd said he has "decided to do all the things that are necessary to prepare to seek the presidency in 2008."

He plans to hire staff, raise funds and travel the country to meet part leaders and activists in key primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire, according to a Hartford Courant news report.

Dodd is a longtime abortion advocate.

According to the National Right to Life Committee, Dodd has compiled an abysmal pro-life voting record — voting pro-life just once in dozens of votes.

Dodd has repeatedly voted against a ban on partial-birth abortions, he’s voted in various ways to use taxpayer funds to pay for abortions, he endorsed a resolution supporting Roe v. Wade, and oppose protecting pregnant women who are victims of violence.

Sen. Dodd told the newspaper he won’t make his decision final until early next year, but he joins a field of about 10 Democrats who are thinking seriously about seeking the presidency. The 2008 election will mark the first time the White House will have an open field in both parties since 2000 and just the second time since 1988.

However, Dodd would start a presidential race at the back of the pack in terms of name recognition, fundraising and party support. Potential presidential candidates such as New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Al Gore, 2004 ticket-mates John Kerry and John Edwards, and former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner are considered more likely prospects.

Yet Dodd, considered a strongly partisan Democrat, could put up a strong showing in New Hampshire and, if he doesn’t capture the nomination, make himself a potential running mate who could shore up the party’s base.