THE CANDIDATE: U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, a Democrat.
THE PLACE: The Iowa State Fair.
THE NEWS: Dodd didn’t plow much new policy ground during his first-ever visit to the Iowa State Fair. He marveled at the number of food offerings on a stick as he stood with his wife, Jackie, and their young daughters Christina and Grace.
Dodd reiterated his vow to make college more affordable if he’s elected president. He would offer federal Pell Grants, traditionally for low-income students, to middle-class students. And Dodd said he would offer matching grants to states with the goal of making community college tuition-free.
“In the Dodd administration, higher education will not be linked to the amount of money you have in your pocket,” Dodd told a small group who gathered to hear his fairgrounds remarks.
OTHER NEWS: Dodd is among several lesser-known hopefuls who are vying to get noticed by Democratic voters. He argues the race is far from settled.
“I don’t think the race has been decided,” Dodd said. “I think Iowans want to make up their own minds.”
