March 20, 2009

In a news conference Thursday with Connecticut reporters, Sen. Christopher J. Dodd astutely noted how critical a role public confidence will play in the ability of Washington leaders to convince the public to accept the difficult choices that still lie ahead as the nation works toward solving the grave financial crisis.”Public confidence in what we are trying to do ... is absolutely critical,” the senator told reporters. “You erode public confidence in your ability to achieve those goals; I think (it) becomes almost impossible.”

The senator must recognize that a series of controversies has dramatically shaken public confidence in his own ability. That is of great concern, because Sen. Dodd chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, which must play a decisive role in the ongoing effort to stabilize the economy and revive the financial markets.If Sen. Dodd cannot rebuild that confidence, and quickly, he should consider stepping aside to allow for a new leader to take control of that committee.