Obama stumps for Dodd at fundraiser

STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- President Obama headed to Connecticut Friday to raise money for U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd's bid to win a sixth term next year.

Obama arrived in the state soon after news that the House Ethics Committee had decided to issue subpoenas to continue an investigation of Dodd, The Hill reported. The Senate ethics panel had found no serious wrongdoing in Dodd's dealings with Countrywide Financial.

The president spoke at a $1,000-a-plate dinner in Stamford. The money raised was to be divided between Dodd's campaign, the Connecticut Democratic Party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Obama praised Dodd for backing of banking and credit card reforms and said the senator has played a pivotal role in healthcare overhaul.

"Chris knows how to get things done in Washington: That's why he's currently leading the fight on not one, but on two of the most important issues that we face today.... Chris isn't just dealing with healthcare reform. He's also leading the fight to reform our financial industry so that we don't have another crisis like the one that brought our economy to its knees."

Dodd has been trailing three Republican candidates in fundraising, although much of their money could end up being used for a primary fight.