This just in from Senator Dodd via email.
Chris Dodd for Connecticut
Dear Friends,
As we approach the most historic election of our lifetimes, I wanted to let you know how much I’m looking forward to working with all of you to address those challenges that we face here in Connecticut and across the country.
This November, Connecticut has the chance to gain a super majority in the State Senate and to elect Jim Himes to Congress, which would send an entirely Democratic Congressional delegation to Washington from our great state.
Around the country we are making significant gains in some of the reddest states imaginable, and there is growing hope that Democrats will not only elect Barack Obama to the White House but also pick up enough Senate seats to give him a filibuster-proof majority.
Put simply, we have a remarkable opportunity to create the kind of lasting change that will improve the lives of families here at home and across America for years to come.
However, I realize that over the last few weeks there have been a lot of questions raised about my own 2003 mortgage loans. And while I’m determined not to let this distract me from the things we are fighting for together, I wanted to talk with you directly about it.
Most importantly, I want to say again that the allegations are simply not true.
I’ve had the same home in East Haddam for 28 years. In 2003, mortgage rates were the lowest they had been in 50 years and Jackie and I did what millions of other homeowners did. We refinanced. We shopped around and negotiated to get a competitive rate.
Contrary to what you may have seen in the press, I am not a friend of Angelo Mozilo, the CEO of Countrywide, and I never have been. I never spoke with him or any other executive about my loans. Like any customer, we dealt with loan officers and received standard markets rates you could find advertised in the newspaper. At no point was it suggested that we would get some special rate because I was a United States Senator. Had it been, I would have ended the relationship immediately.
There is a bipartisan Senate Ethics Committee inquiry into this matter, as there should be. I welcomed it and have been completely forthcoming with them, providing whatever they need. I know there have been requests to release more information publicly, and I’ve said that we will do so at the inquiry’s conclusion. But I regret that this process is taking longer than I thought it would and apologize for not making that clearer at the outset.
It hurts, obviously, when these kinds of accusations are made. It is frustrating to try to disprove a negative. But I hope you know that there is nothing I take more seriously than representing the people of Connecticut with honor and integrity in the United States Senate. No one wants this matter to be resolved more than I do, and it is my hope that the Committee will conclude the review as soon as possible.
As always, Jackie and I appreciate the support that you have shown us over the years. I know that all we have been able to accomplish together, serving as your United States Senator, would not have been possible without your trust. And at this moment, I know there is still so much work to be done on behalf of Connecticut and the country.
Thank you again for your support and your friendship,
Chris
The rumors of Dodd’s imminent demise are overstated. More on this in a later post.
