More Reason For NY Democrats To Be Upset With Obama Administration

At a time when New York City Democrats are smarting over the way President Obama snubbed Democrat Bill Thompson in his election bid to unseat incumbent mayor Independent Mike Bloomberg last week and Governor David Paterson is trying to overcome largely negative ratings and antipathy from the White House, President Obama has decided to campaign for Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd, who's embroiled in scandals arising from his cozy relationship with Countrywide Mortgage.

Embattled Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-Ct.), whose low approval ratings make him one of the most vulnerable Democrats seeking re-election next year, gets help from President Obama tonight.

Obama will appear at a $1,000-per person fundraising event for Dodd in Stamford.

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Dodd’s low approval ratings stem from several factors, including the sluggish economy and questions raised about favorable treatment he received on a mortgage from Countrywide Home Loans.

So, why is Obama willing to appear with Dodd? Well, it's all about the politics of securing passage of financial services overhaul legislation. Never mind that Dodd is ethically challenged over his ties to the industry and his committee has failed in its oversight function on numerous occasions. In fact, Dodd purposefully excluded AIG from employment compensation limits, causing a kerfuffle over bonuses provided AIG executives paid out from bailout funds, even though Congress was well aware of the existence of the exclusion.

New York Democrats have to wonder why they aren't getting the support that their fellow Democrats in New Jersey and Connecticut received, even though in both instances, the candidates were seriously flawed.