Kennedy goes to bat for Dodd in campaign ad

WASHINGTON — Sen. Edward Kennedy is going to bat in a new TV campaign ad for longtime pal Sen. Christopher Dodd, who faces a tough re-election fight in Connecticut.

The Massachusetts Democrat praises Dodd as his closest partner in the fight for health care reform in the 30-second ad that will begin airing in Connecticut on Sunday.

Kennedy makes a direct pitch to voters about a cause he’s championed for decades and considers to be his life’s work.

“Quality health care as a fundamental right for all Americans has been the cause of my life, and Chris Dodd has been my closest ally in this fight,” Kennedy says in the ad. “Today more than ever, we have a real opportunity to bring health care reform to Connecticut and all across America, and I believe that with Chris Dodd’s leadership, our families will finally have accessible, affordable health care.”

Kennedy, who chairs the Senate health panel, has been battling brain cancer for more than a year. In recent weeks he has been at home in Hyannis Port, Mass.

Kennedy has made Dodd his point man on health care reform. As the Senate seeks to craft a breakthrough on health care, Dodd is managing the bill in Kennedy’s absence and working closely with Kennedy’s staff.

Dodd faces the toughest re-election fight of his five-term Senate career in 2010. He has $1.4 million in campaign cash and is expected to maintain a fundraising advantage over his rivals.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Dodd’s popularity has slipped in the financial meltdown and after his failed 2008 presidential bid.

Dodd has faced criticism his role in writing a bill that protected bonuses for executives at bailed-out insurer American International Group Inc. He also drew fire for his initial refusal to release documents about his two controversial mortgages with Countrywide Financial Corp. and his financing of a vacation cottage in Ireland.

A Quinnipiac University Poll released last month showed Dodd trailing former Republican congressman Rob Simmons 45-39 percent. Dodd also faces a primary challenge from businessman and former Air Force officer Merrick Alpert.

Dodd is one of the most vulnerable Senate Democrats facing re-election next year.