Chris Dodd, Meet Eddie Perez

The Democrat Senator from Connecticut, Christopher Dodd, may well have some re-election problems on his hands according to the Swing State Project.

Chris Dodd's favorability ratings in his home state have suffered ever since his very unsuccessful presidential run, an undertaking he was never quite able to explain to his constituents - or Iowa caucus-goers, for that matter. Allegations that he got favorable "VIP" loan terms from lender Countrywide haven't helped. What makes this a Race to Watch is the fact that three reasonably strong Republicans could all potentially give it a gander: Gov. Jodi Rell and former Congressmen Rob Simmons and Chris Shays. But Dodd is a powerful fundraiser in a blue state, and no one has stepped up to the plate yet. (D)

Via Instapundit.

Now what makes this of further interest is the fact Connecticut has a recent history of nailing politicians (of both parties, we might note) for corruption. First there was Republican Governor John Rowland and more recently, the indicted Mayor of Hartford and renowned community organizer Eddie Perez.

The New York Post today draws an interesting contrast between Perez and Dodd.

Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez was arrested Tuesday on bribery and corruption charges after allegedly receiving free work on his home from a city contractor. The scandal is remarkably similar to the one that sent former Gov. John Rowland to the big house back in 2005.

We just hope the arrest gets Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) looking over his shoulder. After all, it's not immediately clear why Perez should be in handcuffs - while Dodd retains his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Banking Committee.

Back in 2003, Dodd secured two "VIP" mortgages from Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo that reportedly saved him a cool $75,000. This, while he was supposed to be overseeing the Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-backed subprime loans on which Countrywide made a killing.

We know how that turned out.

Perez, meanwhile, is accused of accepting home renovations worth little more than half Dodd's take from Countrywide.

To be sure, the comparison may be somewhat unfair to Dodd: Unlike Perez, he's been accused of no direct quid pro quo for his preferential treatment.

Then again, he likely didn't get the sweet deals for no reason, either. And he's months overdue in making good on his promise to release documents on the deal.

It's also worth noting the Democrats in the Senate won't make any move to oust Dodd and it's unlikely the Obama Justice Department will go anywhere near corrupt Democrats. There's only so much change they're interested in.

Thanks to Instapundit for the link.