Sen. Chris Dodd Will Not Seek Re-election

Exodus

The Democratic stalwart had been at the center of efforts to deal with the financial meltdown and played a prominent role in the debate over overhauling health care.

(FOXNews.com) - Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, is set to announce he will not seek re-election this fall, Fox News confirmed early Wednesday.

The five-term Democrat's decision is the latest in a string of big-name Democratic retirements revealed on Tuesday as the party struggles to contend with a challenging political climate.

Word of his retirement came hours after North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan announced he will not seek re-election, stunning many in his party.

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