Poll: Dodd's Approval Numbers Drop To New Lows

Many of those surveyed were concerned over Dodd's role in the recent flap over $165 million in bonuses that American International Group Inc. paid some of its employees while receiving billions in federal bailout money.

Dodd spokesman Bryan DeAngelis said Thursday the senator will not comment on the poll and remains "focused on his job, fighting for the people of Connecticut."

The poll also found Dodd trails his two announced Republican challengers, former GOP Congressman Rob Simmons and Connecticut state Sen. Sam Caligiuri. It shows Simmons defeating Dodd by a margin of 50 percent to 34 percent, and Caligiuri winning 41 percent to 37 percent.

"It's a humbling experience to have that kind of support," Simmons said Thursday. "By the same token, I realize there's a long way to go and a lot can happen, so I don't take any of this for granted."

Caligiuri also said he does not take Dodd's slipping popularity as a sign to become complacent in his own campaign.

"I think I'm still largely a blank slate to many people in Connecticut, and it's my job to meet as many of them as I can," Caligiuri said.