Embattled Dodd throws paper at the problem

The number of self-congratulatory press releases sent to Connecticut media by Sen. Christopher Dodd saw an increase this week and that can only mean one thing: The senator is worried again that his seat may be taken away in 2010.

Dodd’s people have issued recent press releases about stimulus funding, education, health care and other issues, but the most glaring e-mail came Tuesday from the group Chris Dodd for Connecticut, which declared the senator is now “a target� of the Family Research Council “and other radical right-wing groups� who are supported by “powerful special interests.�

The sense of urgency comes at exactly the same time that a new name has entered the race to replace the embattled senator. Linda McMahon, a new conservative with a bold, camera-savvy personality and evidently sharp intellect, has appeared on television recently in some well-placed 30-second spots. The commercials make McMahon look far more impressive and down-to-earth than the old-school Dodd, who comes across as a stodgy political insider who can’t connect with his constituents.

One does not need to be a seasoned political insider to see past Dodd’s sudden role reversal, from powerful Washington insider to David fighting a right-wing Goliath. The senator’s newfound interest in his constituents — from press releases, weekly conference calls and camera hogging to his new penchant for incessant Twittering — seems shallow and insincere.

McMahon is a fresh face with a matter-of-fact attitude who leaves the first impression that she is the one who represents positive change. She joins a field of Republicans who are champing at the bit to get Dodd out of office. For the incumbent to have any chance of fending off the attackers, he needs to drop the old-boy rhetoric and come across as genuine and likeable — but that may not be possible.

Of course Dodd is a target. He should be. He’s a five-term senator in the political party that routed the Republicans last year, taking the White House and Congress. He should be asked the tough questions if he wants another six years in his cushy seat.

In the meantime, Dodd should be willing to respond directly to anyone  who questions his record. Throwing press releases at the problem and talking about how great he is isn’t going to win the race this time around.