AP sources: 5-term Democratic Sen. Dodd of Connecticut won’t seek re-election

AP sources: Conn. Sen. Chris Dodd to retire

WASHINGTON — Democratic officials tell The Associated Press that Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd won’t seek re-election this fall.

The five-term Democrat is expected to make an announcement Wednesday. The officials who disclosed his plans would speak only on condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement.

Dodd is facing troubling poll numbers and his popularity has dropped since his 2008 failed run for president.

Word of his retirement comes hours after North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan announced he will not seek re-election.