Dem. Candidate Profile: Chris Dodd

NAME: Chris Dodd

AGE-BIRTH DATE: 63; May 27, 1944

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Providence College in 1966

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Elected U.S. Senator in 1980 ; Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974 and served until 1981.

FAMILY: Wife; Jackie Marie Clegg. Children: Grace Dodd and Christina Dodd.

Abortion: Favors abortion rights.

Gay marriage: Would let states decide. Opposed constitutional amendment against it.

Global warming: Favors negotiation of new treaty to curb emissions. Voted for 2003 bill that would have capped 2010 emissions at 2000 levels and increased energy costs.

Gun Control: Voted for ban on assault-type weapons and to require background checks at gun shows. Favored leaving gun-makers and dealers open to civil suits.

Health care: Sponsored legislation to expand coverage for young, old and poor. Goal of universal coverage; details and costs not specified.

Immigration: Voted for 2006 bill offering legal status to illegal immigrants subject to conditions including English proficiency and payment of back taxes and fines. Voted against border fence.

Iran: Says the U.S. should negotiate directly, also with Syria.

Iraq: Opposes troop increase, would cap force at about 130,000 unless Congress approves more, has not specified withdrawal timetable, would not cut off money. Begin withdrawing troops now from worst parts of Baghdad. Voted for war authorization in 2002.

Stem cell research: Supports relaxing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research.

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