Dodd To Endorse Obama

From Yahoo News

Democratic Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut plans to endorse former presidential rival Barack Obama.

Dodd will endorse his colleague, a senator from Illinois, in Cleveland on Tuesday, according to a Democratic official close to Dodd who requested anonymity because no formal announcement had been made.

Dodd's support, coupled with his liberal credentials, could provide a boost for Obama as major contests near in big states such as Ohio and Texas on March 4. Obama has won some key Democratic endorsements in recent weeks, including Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, a close friend of Dodd.

Obama and rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton had been vying for Dodd's support since he exited the presidential race after a poor showing in the Iowa caucus last month. Dodd, who won his Senate seat in 1980 and chaired the Democratic National Committee from 1995-1996, has long-standing ties to the Clintons.

Dodd Comes Through

From the Swamp

Against improbable odds, Chris Dodd did it.

Earlier today, the leader of his own party, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), pushed a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act renewal bill to the floor. Reid had selected a piece of renewal legislation voted out of the Senate Intelligence Committee rather than the version of the FISA bill passed by the Judiciary Committee. And the Senate followed Reid's lead by voting in favor of cloture to cut off debate on the bill.

All throughout the day, Judiciary Democrats such as Dodd, Edward Kennedy, and Russ Feingold took aim at the bill, even as Reid professed his hope that the Senate would pass the FISA bill today, in advance of its holiday adjournment. Dodd, a margin-of-error presidential candidate, vowed to filibuster the FISA bill on the floor if it granted large telecom companies such as Verizon and AT&T immunity from civil lawsuits for allegedly cooperating with the government. The Intel Committee bill did just that.

But early this evening, Reid surrendered, saying the FISA legislation would be taken up again in January, after the recess. (Reid had pledged this morning that the Senate would take up the omnibus spending bill from the House on Tuesday.)

That is sure to upset the White House and Democratic and Republican members alike who worry that Congress is leaving itself open to accusations that it is dragging its feet in terms of national security. The White House, which supports granting immunity to the telecoms, has already complained about the delay. The temporary FISA renewal bill, the Protect America Act, expires in February. President Bush had vowed to veto the bill if it did not contain the immunity provision.

In a statement this evening, Dodd claimed victory:

“Today we have scored a victory for American civil liberties and sent a message to President Bush that we will not tolerate his abuse of power and veil of secrecy. The president should not be above the rule of law, nor should the telecom companies who supported his quest to spy on American citizens. I thank all my colleagues who joined me in fighting and winning a stay in the rush to grant retroactive immunity to the telecommunications companies who may have violated the privacy rights of millions of Americans.

However, the Democratic chair of the Intelligence Committee, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (W.Va.), was not happy. It was his bill that didn't make it off the floor Monday. In a statement after Reid pulled the bill, Rockefeller said:

“I’m disappointed legislation to modernize and improve FISA will now have to wait until January. As I’ve said many times, it is one of the most important bills before Congress, and one that should not be rushed in the final hours before Protect America Act expires.

“Today’s strong 76-10 vote to cut off debate is a clear sign that the majority of Congress is ready and willing to pass this critical legislation.

The January fireworks will give Hill-watchers something to look forward to when the post-holiday doldrums set in.

Well done Senator Dodd, well done!

Chris Dodd Makes A Good Point

From the CNN Ticker

Democratic presidential candidate Chris Dodd's Iowa campaign announced that with the addition of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's campaign on Wednesday all the Democratic campaign offices in Iowa–except New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's–have signed on to a pledge asking the campaigns to prohibit their staff or out-of-state volunteers from caucusing.

Dodd's campaign said the point of the letter was to prevent campaigns from registering large amounts of staff — many of whom arrived in the state only months ago — from influencing the results of the caucus.

In a statement, the senator from Connecticut's Iowa state director Julie Andreeff Jensen said, “It’s still confusing and disappointing that the Richardson campaign has refused to join every other campaign in making this commitment. It’s troubling that I am forced to conclude that they are in fact intending to use paid staff to influence precinct caucuses.”

The Richardson campaign first refused to sign the pledge the same day it was created. State caucus director Shari Fitzgerald–a lifelong Iowan, according to the campaign–said, "I have participated in every Presidential caucus since 1972 and refuse to be bound not to caucus for the candidate of my choice by any candidate or their campaign–ever."

Clinton Campaign: Edwards = Bush--Huh?

This is odder than a UFO sighting via CNN

In a sign of the increasingly bitter feud between the leading Democratic presidential contenders, Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign Monday accused John Edwards of acting like President Bush and dividing Democrats.

On Saturday, Edwards, while campaigning in Iowa, criticized the Clinton camp for planting a question in the audience, saying the practice is "what George Bush does."

"George Bush goes to events that are staged, where people are screened, where they're only allowed to ask questions if the questions are favorable to George Bush and set up in his favor," the former senator from North Carolina said.

But it is Edwards who is acting more like the sitting Republican president, the Clinton camp says.

"What George Bush does is attack Democrats and divide the country," Clinton campaign spokesman Mo Elleithee said Monday. "Sen. Edwards' campaign resembles that more and more every day."

Other "dividers" include Barack Obama who also sniped gently at Clinton, "I'll let Sen. Clinton answer for her campaign," Obama told reporters. "When I go into a town hall meeting, I never know what questions to expect and that's a good thing, because the people of New Hampshire should expect that their candidates are going to hear what's on the voters' minds and not what's been concocted by the candidate's staff."

Sen. Chris Dodd, when asked about Clinton's staff planting questions, said, "It's not a terribly wise thing to do."

And We Are Worried About Iran?

I recall that John Edwards had spoken about the danger of insurgency in Pakistan to the US News and World Report in August. In the most recent debate Joe Biden and Chris Dodd had this pegged when they expressed that the situation in Pakistan is potentially more dangerous than the current threat from Iran.

From the BBC

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has declared emergency rule and suspended the country's constitution.

He defended his actions in a national address, saying he was curbing a rise in extremism in Pakistan.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry has been replaced and the Supreme Court surrounded by troops, who also entered state-run TV and radio stations.

The moves come as the Supreme Court was due to rule on the legality of Gen Musharraf's October election victory.

The court was to decide whether Gen Musharraf was eligible to run for re-election last month while remaining army chief.

The BBC's Barbara Plett reports from Islamabad that fears had been growing in the government that the Supreme Court ruling could go against Gen Musharraf. More

Clinton Tested and Testy in Debate

Being the proclaimed frontrunner is no picnic as Howard Dean learned in 2004 and Hillary Clinton is learning now.

According to an AP story:

[Hillary] Clinton grew testy when pressed on whether she agrees with a proposal her home state governor has to give driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. She first expressed support for the idea. But when [Chris] Dodd objected, Clinton grew defensive and said she wasn't saying it should be done, although she recognizes why the governor is trying to do it even though she doesn't think it's "the best thing for any governor to do."

Edwards pounced. "Unless I missed something, Senator Clinton said two different things in the course of about two minutes," he said. "America is looking for a president who will say the same thing, who will be consistent, who will be straight with them."

[Barack]Obama piled on. "I can't tell whether she was for it or against it," he said. He said he supports the idea.

Obama also criticized Clinton for her refusal to release records from the National Archives about her time as first lady, even as she's running on her experience in the White House with her husband.

"We have just gone through one of the most secretive administrations in our history," Obama said, "and not releasing these records at the same time, Hillary, that you're making the claim that this is the basis for your experience, I think, is a problem."

Clinton said it wasn't her decision to keep the records sealed, even though her husband has written a letter asking that their communications be sealed until 2012.

Chris Dodd To Place Hold on FISA Bill

This is a gutsy move: from TPM Muckracker

Senator Chris Dodd plans to put a hold on the Senate FISA renewal bill because it reportedly grants retroactive immunity to telephone companies for any role they played in the Bush administration's warrantless eavesdropping program, Election Central has learned.

Dodd will send a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid this afternoon informing him of his decision. Dodd also plans to put up a page today at his campaign Web site where opponents of the immunity provision can register their opposition.

“Later today Senator Dodd will be sending a letter to Majority Leader Reid informing him that he plans to put a ‘hold’ on a bill that would provide for retroactive amnesty for telecom giants that were complicit in the Bush Administration’s assault on the United States Constitution," Dodd spokesman Hari Sevugan told Election Central. "Senator Dodd said that he would do what he could do to stop this bill, and with this announcement he has again shown that he delivers results.”

By doing this, Dodd can effectively hold up the telecom immunity bill, because bills are supposed to have unanimous consent in the Senate before going forward. One Senator can make it very difficult to bring a bill to the floor by objecting to allowing it to go to a vote.

Update: More here.

Hot and Saucy

Actually I wad describing the Johnson County Democrats BBQ this Saturday 10/6 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds where, for a "suggested donation" of $15 per person or $30 per family, you can rub elbows with CHRIS DODD, BILL RICHARDSON, HILLARY CLINTON, JOHN EDWARDS, DENNIS KUCINICH, and stunt double Forest Whitaker, speaking for BARACK OBAMA. Congressman DAVE LOEBSACK will be tap dancing as he plays host to all.

As always, there will be surprise guests and perhaps an endorsement or two.

Dodd in Iowa City to Promote Book About Dad

U.S. Senator Chris Dodd will talk about his new book, "Letters From Nuremberg: My Father's Narrative of a Quest for Justice," and sign copies on Friday, September 21, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM at the Prairie Lights Bookstore.

Prairie Lights Bookstore is located at 15 S. Dubuque in Iowa City.

Dodd to IAFF: Rescue Me

From AP vis Forbes

Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd is counting on firefighters for a different kind of rescue - keeping his simmering presidential campaign from burning out.

The International Association of Firefighters' endorsement Wednesday might be Dodd's best - and maybe last - shot to overcome top-tier rivals who outshine him in celebrity, outpace him in polls and outperform him in fundraising.

The yellow-and-black-clad firefighters have done it before, resuscitating Democrat John Kerry's struggling campaign in late 2003 and helping him win the Iowa caucuses that propelled him to victory in the New Hampshire primary and eventually the nomination.

"The voters in Iowa and New Hampshire are still very much shopping," said Dodd, who is hoping that firefighters - the "most trusted of our public servants" - can push him to the front of the Democratic primary pack.

Dodd and the firefighters begin a three-day, three-state tour on Thursday, visiting Iowa, New Hampshire on Friday and Nevada on Saturday.

Memories of Watergate?

Burglars broke into Senator Christopher J. Dodd’s office in Hartford, CT late Saturday, taking undisclosed items and leaving evidence at the scene, the police said.

Investigators declined to say what was stolen or what was left behind at the office, which is on Lewis Street.

Jamie Radice, a spokeswoman for Mr. Dodd, confirmed the break-in, but said she was not sure what was taken.

The police said they believe that the suspects jumped from the roof of a building next door onto the fire escape of the building that houses Mr. Dodd’s office and broke in through a second-story window. The burglary occurred between 10 and 11 p.m., they said.

Mr. Dodd is seeking the 2008 Democratic nomination for president.

Chris Dodd Wants You to Check Out DTV

It's almost like being there. DTV

In fact if you've never been to Ottumwa, you can spend 36 minutes there.

Clinton and Dodd in Johnson County

SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON
Ready for Change, Ready to Lead Tour with Bill Clinton
University of Iowa, Memorial Union
Iowa City
July 3, 1:00 PM

SENATOR CHRIS DODD
River-to-River Bus Tour
St. Morrison Park, 1551 7th Street
Coralville
July 4, 5:00 PM

Expect Sensible Iowans to be bird-dogging these events.

Candidates to Appear in Iowa City

Thanks to the Iowa Chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters meeting in Iowa City, there will be a plethora of candidates stopping in this week at the Sheraton on Tuesday and Wednesday. Below is the schedule with links to the IAFF Presidential Forum statements made by each candidate on March 14th.

On Tuesday 6/26:

• 8 a.m, U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.)
• 9:30 a.m, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.)
• 11:30 a.m, Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.)
• 2:30 p.m, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)
• 8 p.m, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden (Speaking for Sen. Joe Biden)

On Wednesday 6/27:

• 9:15 a.m, Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.)

Pride Cometh Before Sun Stroke

Okay, I'm back from the Pride Festival where I was marching with my Unitarian Universalist compatriots. It was great to see so many groups supporting the GLBTQ community, but it was incredibly hot. The parade included everyone from leather boys to UI Anti War protesters shown above, in addition to political groups from the Dodd, Obama, Richardson, Edwards, and Clinton camps.

Speakers in front of the Gold Dome included Rep. Dave Loebsack, State Senator Joe Bolkcom, State Rep. Mary Mascher, and Iowa City Human Rights Commissioner Sara Baird. Council member Regenia Bailey, North Liberty councilman James Moody, and Coralville councilman Tom McGill all read proclamations from their respective cities declaring June Pride month. There were many kudos for the anti-bullying bill and addition of sexual orientation to the state's civil rights law. It is also the 30th anniversary of Iowa City passing its human rights ordinance. Dave Leshtz and Janelle Rettig were recognized by Congressman Loebsack for their efforts on human rights.

John Deeth and others from the blogosphere were out and about.

As sun stroke was setting in, I left the grounds with visions of the Quire singing in my head.

If you are out and about the rest of the festivities are in Upper City Park--who knows wh0 might show up...

More from the Gazette, Daily-Iowan and sadly, not the Press-Citizen.

Reading is Fundamental--Except for Voting on a War

According to CNN , authors of a new biography on Hillery Clinton say that Clinton and 93 other senators did not read the 90-page, classified National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq, according to "Her Way: The Hopes and Ambitions of Hillary Rodham Clinton."

For members of Congress to read the report, they had to go to a secure location on Capitol Hill. The Washington Post reported in 2004 that no more than six senators and a handful of House members were logged as reading the document.

The Clinton biography, written by New York Times reporters Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta Jr., summarizes the intelligence estimate, which combined reports of U.S. intelligence agencies about Iraq.

Clinton, a New York Democrat, was briefed on the intelligence report multiple times, a spokesperson told CNN.

Clinton is one of six presidential candidates who were in the Senate in October 2002 who voted for the resolution to authorize the invasion of Iraq.

Candidate and then-Sen. John Edwards "read and was briefed on the intelligence" while sitting on the Senate Intelligence Committee, a spokesman said. Edwards has called his vote for the 2002 resolution a mistake. Another Democratic candidate, Sen. Joseph Biden, said he read the report.

6/4 Correction: Clinton, a senator from New York, said she had been “thoroughly briefed” about intelligence on Iraq and tried to dismiss the question as part of an argument “about the past.” Edwards, who also said he read only a summary of the 90-page intelligence report, said he “had the information I needed.” He then repeated his assertion, which Clinton has declined to echo, that his vote against the war was “wrong.”

A spokesman for presidential candidate Sen. Christopher Dodd said the Connecticut Democrat did not read the document, either.

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona also voted in favor of the resolution without reading the report.

A spokesman for McCain told CNN his boss was briefed on the document "numerous times, and read the executive summary."

Other candidates were not available for comment Monday.

The National Intelligence Estimate concluded that the United States had "compelling evidence" that Iraq was restarting its efforts to develop a nuclear bomb and had concealed stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons from U.N. inspectors after the cease-fire that ended the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

That was wrong, but that wasn't established until after a U.S. -led army toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's government in April 2003.

The intelligence report did contain passages that raised questions about the weapons conclusions, said John McLaughlin, then deputy director of the CIA.

"I think if someone read the entire report, they would walk away thinking the intelligence community generally thinks he has weapons of mass destruction, but there are quite a bit of differences," he said.

(Less Than) Fifteen Minutes of Fame

While most American voters are not tuned in, for some Democrats running for President, tonight's debate in the palmetto state, South Carolina, may be their first and only chance to make a good impression on the red meat-seeking press.

The media plays a powerful role before the first vote is cast to shed light on the candidates who can only shine if the get coverage. As the 2004 campaign reflected, that glaring light comes with a price. Ask Howard Dean.

But for candidates like Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, and Chris Dodd, this is one of the few opportunities they get to be on an equal footing with John Edwards, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton. If they do well, Bill Richardson and Joe Biden may become the odd men out, as they are seen neither as cellar dwellers or top-tier candidates.

Each candidate will have 11 minutes to make their points---660 seconds to score with a sound-bite or to tumble into also-ran obscurity. Even Andy Warhol would have given them 15 minutes of fame.