Obama raises money for a vulnerable Dodd

President Barack Obama on Friday came to the aid of embattled Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) not long after a House committee made it clear that Dodd's ethical problems are not behind him.

Even though Dodd was largely exonerated by a Senate ethics investigation into any "sweetheart" deals he might have made with Countrywide Financial, the House ethics committee voted Friday to issue subpoenas to continue to the investigation.

That news came Friday afternoon as Dodd was joined in Connecticut by the president to tour a small business before Obama raised roughly $1 million for the senator and onetime presidential candidate.

The funds raised for the dinner at $1,000 a ticket will be divided between Dodd's reelection effort, the Connecticut Democratic Party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).

Both Connecticut and national Republicans made it clear last week that they smell blood in the water when it comes to Dodd's reelection effort, but Democrats insist that they are far from worried.

The House Ethics Committee's decision, aided by Democrats, hit Dodd and Obama at a terrible time Friday afternoon, prompting a reponse from Senate opponent and former Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.) in the Hartford Courant.

"Despite Sen. Dodd's wishful thinking that the 'matter's behind us,' the real corruption investigation has yet to begin," Simmons said. "Rather than raising a million dollars to help Sen. Dodd polish his tarnished image, President Obama should be using his visit to Connecticut to fulfill his campaign promise to promote transparency and ethics in government by speaking out in support of his fellow Democrats' efforts to get to the bottom of Dodd's role in the Countrywide scandal."

Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy acknowledged that Obama, as the Democratic Party's top fundraiser, should provide Dodd with "a good payday."

"He's going to need it," Healy told reporters Friday. "But I think in the end, it will be all for naught."

Dodd's reelection hopes are still struggling from a series of missteps earlier this year. Dodd allowed a provision in the stimulus that allowed for large CEO bonuses and is also dealing with some personal ethical issues including an alleged sweetheart loan and a questionable property purchase in Ireland.

Republicans have lined up to face the incumbent and are flooding the race with money. Simmons and investment advisor Peter Schiff both outraised Dodd's $900,000 in the third quarter, while former WWE CEO Linda McMahon has self-funded $3 million for the race, including a $100,000 ad buy Friday alone.

Healy said the crowded field is a "good problem to have," but many think a crowded primary combined with Obama's help and Dodd's recent legislative victories spell good news for the Democrats.

“Republicans face a brutal primary in Connecticut that is emblematic of battles they have all over the country," DSCC spokesman Eric Schultz said. "As their candidates are at each other's throats, Chris Dodd will continue to build on his strong record of working with the president to get this economy back on track and deliver for the people of Connecticut.”

In Connecticut on Friday night, Obama praised Dodd for his work, equating him to the Energizer Bunny for all the work he has done in the Senate this year.

Dodd won high praise from the White House -- where he has made repeated appearances with Obama -- for his help in shepherding a healthcare bill in the absence of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), a close friend of Dodd's and a huge ally of Obama's.

Obama on Friday night also praised Dodd for his work on new financial regulations and new laws regulating the credit card and tobacco industries.

Dodd, who is facing abysmal polling numbers and potentially dangerous ethical problems, has stayed close to Obama, who continues to enjoy immense popularity in Connecticut. Dodd even joined the president for a fundraiser in Los Angeles in late May.

There’s no doubt that Dodd needs all of the help that he can get in his uphill battle for re-election, but his poor approval ratings are evidence that Connecticut voters won’t so easily forget his abundant ethical shortcomings or his role in the economic crisis that our nation is suffering through today," said Amber Wilkerson Marchand, spokeswoman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).

Healy said he gives credit to Dodd for being in a position to enlist the help of the White House and the head of the Democratic Party because he has been a "loyal foot soldier" for the Democrats.

"I think Chris Dodd will have all the money he wants, needs, desires," Healy said.

But Healy said that unemployment numbers -- the rate in Connecticut is 8.6 percent, more than a point below the national rate -- will hurt Obama, Dodd and the Democratic brand.

"This economy is owned lock, stock and barrel by President Obama and Chris Dodd," Healy said.