After a weak show of support from Connecticut, Senator Christopher Dodd is turning to the financial industry for campaign donations.
Dodd has received more than $100,000 in donations from political action committees, including the American Insurance Association, Mortgage Bankers Association, Vanguard, Oppenheimer Funds, Charles Schwab, Real Estate Roundtable, and Ameriprise Financial, according to his latest fundraising report.
Dodd, the Senate Banking Committee Chairman, has also raised $608,000 in additional campaign cash from individuals, including the top executives from companies that include Fidelity, Citigroup, and Citizens Financial Group.
But only five Connecticut residents have contributed a mere $4,250 by comparison.
Despite the numbers, Dodd's campaign manager said the democrat would not be swayed by his donors.
"Campaign contributions do not, and never have, influenced Senator Dodd's priorities," said Jay Howser. "Time and again he's led the fight to protect consumers against the financial industry."
Dodd has been a source of criticism over the nation's economic crisis. The democrat acknowledged he agreed to a request by Treasury Department officials to dilute a bonus restriction in the economic stimulus bill.
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A Quinnipiac University poll released in early April found Dodd's approval rating slipped to 33% among Connecticut residents. The poll also showed Dodd losing re-election to three potential Republican challengers: Former Congressman Rob Simmons, State Senator Sam Caligiuri, and Former Ambassador Tom Foley.
President Barack Obama has vowed to help Dodd win re-election, despite the senator's drop in recent polls.
