Washington, D.C.—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released the following statement this afternoon in reaction to Senator Chris Dodd’s announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2010:

“Chris Dodd has dedicated his life to public service and has always been on the front lines to make a difference where it counts. I know how much of an honor it has been for Chris to serve the people of Connecticut and how truly difficult this decision was for him to step away. His warm personality, sense of humor and optimistic spirit has won him great respect and many friends on both sides of the aisle. I salute Chris on his years of service and wish only the best for him and Jackie and their entire family as they look forward to the new challenges ahead of them.”

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Republican candidates start the year by opening a nine-point lead over Democrats, the GOP’s biggest in several years, in the latest edition of the Generic Congressional Ballot. The new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 44% would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate while 35% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent. Get full story here.