2008 SelectSmart.com Presidential Candidate Selector Candidate Positions Sen. Christopher Dodd - Democrat (Born May 27, 1944) Attorney.

Iraq War issues: Dodd voted for Use of Military Force Against Iraq. Source Senator Dodd calls for an end to America’s open-ended commitment to remain in Iraq indefinitely. Instead, he believes that the time has come for the Administration to begin to reposition troops to safer areas within Iraq, as well as to Afghanistan and other areas in the Middle East where they can serve other pressing national security priorities. Source

Security/liberties: Senator Dodd supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 80 percent in 2005-2006. Source Senator Dodd supported the interests of the Center for Security Policy 22 percent in 2003-2004. Senator Dodd supported the interests of the American Security Council 30 percent in 2003-2004. Source

Social Security: 2003-2004 On the votes that Retire Safe, a pro-privatization group, considered to be the most important in 2003-2004, Senator Dodd voted their preferred position 11 percent of the time. Source

Stem cell research: Voted for a bill that allows for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that uses human embryonic stem cells. Source

Same sex issues: "[Dodd] agreed that marriage should be reserved for a man and a woman - not gay couples". "[Supports] civil unions for gay couples". Source "Supporters of this proposed amendment would like you to believe that there is currently an 'assault' on traditional marriage by some American couples and families that warrants Federal action in the form of a constitutional amendment to "protect" the institution of marriage. They have utterly failed to marshal even a minimal degree of credible facts to support such a claim." Source

Trade issues: Senator Dodd supported the interests of the free trade advocating CATO Institute--Center for Trade Policy Studies 36 percent in 2003-2004. Source

Budget issues: For 2001-2002, the balanced budget favoring Concord Coalition gave Senator Dodd a rating of 74 percent.Source "Dodd is a long-time supporter of budget reforms – particularly those that require pay-as-you-go discipline in spending and tax policy." Source

Business & labor issues: Dodd supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 39 percent in 2005. Source Dodd supported the interests of the United Auto Workers 86 percent in 2005. Dodd supported the interests of the AFL-CIO 86 percent in 2005 Source

Abortion issues: Senator Dodd supported the interests of the Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2006. Senator Dodd supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2005-2006. Source

Capital punishment: Has supported bills to limit the death penalty and for moratoriums. Source However, more recently Dodd has said that capital punishment is used too widely, but there are certain circumstances where he "would not exclude the use of the death penalty." He says that he would not call for a moratorium on capital punishment. He has called for judicial reform and a closer look at the country's criminal justice system so that "we can do a better job of making decisions" about the death penalty. Source

Marijuana: Voted NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses. (Nov 1999) Source
Bill Maher: Can you give me a good reason why in a free and fair society marijuana should be illegal?
Chris Dodd: And again, and ah the overall of general of allowing ah the the decriminalization I strongly advocate as well. Source

Gun control: Based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionnaire sent to all Congressional candidates in 2004, the National Rifle Association assigned Senator Dodd a grade of F. Dodd supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 90 percent from 1988-2003 (Senate) or 1991-2003 (House). Source

Minimum wage: Has voted for half the bills to increase the minimum wage, including the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, that have come before the Senate. Source

Health care: Chris Dodd proposed a universal health coverage plan Thursday with benefits matching those given to federal workers. Source
2005 Senator Dodd supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 90 percent in 2005. Source

Prescription drugs: Dodd has voted for bills that would allow the Health and Human Services Secretary to negotiate with prescription drug manufacturers for the best possible prescription drug prices. Source Dodd has also worked to make prescription medicines more affordable for seniors, the poor, and working families. He supports expanding health care coverage to include coverage of prescription drugs for seniors and poor children. Source

Environmental issues: Dodd supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 88 percent in 2003-2004. Source

Immigration issues:Dodd supported the interests of the American Immigration Lawyers Association 88 percent in 2006. Dodd supported the interests of the U.S. Border Control 8 percent in 2005-2006.
Supports amnesty/permanent legalization for illegal aliens and temporary legalization for illegal aiens as guestworkers Source Source

Education issues: "In a far-reaching move than could have significant implications for public schools, the Senate approved legislation Nov. 3 [2005] to create a school voucher program for private, as well as public, school students displaced by the recent hurricanes. The voucher measure, sponsored by...Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.); [and others], was passed as an amendment to the Senate budget reconciliation bill by voice vote." Source "Dodd has authored legislation to expand student loans and grants, and to make tuition tax deductible - so that every deserving child can gain a college degree." Source

Link to voting records and special interest group ratings. (If available).

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