Kennedy goes to bat for Dodd in campaign ad
WASHINGTON - Senator Edward M. Kennedy is going to bat in a new TV campaign ad for Senator Christopher Dodd, who faces a tough reelection fight in Connecticut.
The Massachusetts Democrat praises Dodd as his closest partner in the fight for healthcare legislation in the 30-second ad that will begin airing in Connecticut today.
Kennedy makes a direct pitch to voters about a cause he has championed for decades and considers to be his life’s work.
“Quality healthcare as a fundamental right for all Americans has been the cause of my life, and Chris Dodd has been my closest ally in this fight,’’ Kennedy says in the ad. “Today more than ever, we have a real opportunity to bring healthcare reform to Connecticut and all across America, and I believe that with Chris Dodd’s leadership, our families will finally have accessible, affordable healthcare.’’
Kennedy, who chairs the Senate health panel, has been battling brain cancer for more than a year. In recent weeks he has been at home in Hyannis Port, Mass.
Kennedy has made Dodd his point man on the healthcare overhaul. As the Senate seeks to craft a breakthrough on healthcare, Dodd is managing the bill in Kennedy’s absence and working closely with Kennedy’s staff.
Dodd faces the toughest reelection fight of his five-term Senate career in 2010. He has $1.4 million in campaign cash and is expected to maintain a fund-raising advantage over his rivals.
Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, has seen his popularity slip during the financial meltdown and after his failed 2008 presidential bid.
