Dems dropping out

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Democrats Christopher Dodd and Byron Dorgan, who have 45 years between them in the U.S. Senate, say they won't be seeking re-election this year.

Dodd, D-Conn., was facing a tough fight to hold his seat and his withdrawal may allow the Democrats to find a stronger candidate and keep the place in the Senate. The decision by Dorgan, D-N.D., is seen as a potential pickup for Republicans.

Democrats own a substantial 58-40 edge in the Senate and the two independents in the upper house caucus with them, giving the party a theoretically filibuster-proof majority. In addition to Connecticut and North Dakota, Democrats will be looking to protect seats in Illinois -- U.S. President Barack Obama's former seat -- and Delaware -- Vice President Joe Biden's seat.

But the picture isn't entirely rosy for Republicans, who have had six sitting senators announce retirement plans. Most of those states, however, will return Republicans to those seats.

Also not seeking another term is Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, another Democrat. Republicans could regain that state mansion. Control of gubernatorial positions and state legislatures have an added importance in the next few years as they will direct federal congressional district reapportionment efforts once the U.S. Census hands down its decennial report.