Pictures: Sen. Chris Dodd Announces Retirement

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home. After a short speech, Dodd was embraced by his daughter, Christina, 4, who was held by her mother Jackie.  (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home. Standing by Dodd were his daughter, Grace, 8, partially hidden by the podium and wife, Jackie, holding Christina, 4.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home. Standing by Dodd were his wife, Jackie, holding their daughter Christina, 4, and Grace, 8, partially hidden behind the podium.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home. Standing by Dodd were his wife, Jackie, and daughter Christina, 4. His other daughter Grace, 8, is not pictured.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home. Standing by Dodd were his daughter, Grace, 8, partially hidden by the podium and wife, Jackie, holding Christina, 4.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home. Standing by Dodd were his wife, Jackie, holding their daughter Christina, 4, and Grace, 8, partially hidden behind the podium.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home. Standing by Dodd were his wife, Jackie, and daughter Christina, 4. His other daughter Grace, 8, is not pictured.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home. Standing by Dodd were his wife, Jackie, and daughters Grace, 8, and Christina, 4.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home. After his speach, Dodd kissed his daughter Christina, 4, who was held by his wife Jackie.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Sen. Chris Dodd announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

Surrounded by his family and extended family, Sen. Chris Dodd, announced he will not seek reelection to another term as U.S. Senator from Connecticut from the front steps of his East Haddam home.   (RICHARD MESSINA / HARTFORD COURANT)

U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn, announces that he will retire after his current term outside his home in East Haddam, Conn. Dodd, who served five terms, is chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2008.   (CHARLES KRUPA / AP)

Christopher Dodd (D-CT) (L) speaks during a press conference at his home January 6, 2009 in East Haddam, Connecticut. Dodd, a 30-year incumbent, announced that he would not be seeking reelection. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is expected to seek the seat.   (CHRISTOPHER CAPOZZIELLO / GETTY IMAGES)

Christopher Dodd (D-CT) speaks during a press conference at his home January 6, 2009 in East Haddam, Connecticut. Dodd, a 30-year incumbent, announced that he would not be seeking reelection. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is expected to seek the seat.   (CHRISTOPHER CAPOZZIELLO / GETTY IMAGES)