Poll: Dodd's Approval Numbers Drop To New Lows

STEPHANIE REITZ

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd's standing with Connecticut voters continues to plunge as a new poll released Thursday shows only one in three people approve of his job performance.

The Quinnipiac University survey says the five-term veteran's approval rate is at a career low, and that he would lose his seat to either of two declared Republican challengers if the election occurred today.

That's even though many people admitted they don't know much about either challenger.

Slipping below a 50 percent approval rating is often considered a red flag for incumbents, and Quinnipiac Poll Director Douglas Schwartz said the "anybody but Dodd" sentiment could be very difficult for him to overcome.

Dodd's new 33 percent rating, a dip from 49 percent in a March 10 poll, is "especially devastating" considering he is a longtime incumbent Democrat in a solidly blue state, Schwartz said.

"His numbers are so poor that voters are looking for a credible alternative to him," Schwartz said. "I've never seen a politician fall so far, so fast."