CHRIS DODD

Sen. Chris Dodd has twice the U.S. Senate experience as the three top Democratic contenders, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, combined. But it hasn't translated into traction with voters. Acknowledging to the New York Times that his run lacks the novelty of the campaigns of Obama, who would be the first black president, and Clinton, who would be the first female president, Dodd cracked: "I'm the first candidate who's spoken in Pahrump. I got a bump out of Pahrump."

BIRTHDAY: May 27, 1944 (63) HOMETOWN: Willimantic, Conn. RELIGION: Roman Catholic

FAMILY: Father was a U.S. senator; a brother is a former ambassador. Married to his second wife, Jackie Clegg, since 1999. They have two daughters, ages 2 and 6.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, Providence College, 1966; law degree, University of Louisville, 1972.

EXPERIENCE: Peace Corps volunteer, 1966-68; U.S. Army Reserve, 1968-75; U.S. House of Representatives, 1975-81; senator from Connecticut, 1981-present; leads Senate Banking Committee.

YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW: Before settling down with former Republican staffer Jackie, Dodd was a dashing ladies' man whose dates included Bianca Jagger and Carrie Fisher.

CAMPAIGN OFFICIAL WEB SITE WWW.CHRISDODD.COM

DECISION TO RUN:

Says his children are his motivation. His first daughter was born two days after Sept. 11, 2001, and he speaks often of looking out of a Washington-area hospital window at the ruins of the Pentagon, feeling compelled to leave a better world for her.

MAJOR THEMES:

In these trying times, Dodd says, a president with experience is needed to bring about change in Washington.

IN NEVADA:

Dodd opened, then closed an office in Las Vegas, pulling staff back to Iowa and keeping only a volunteer effort here. He has been endorsed by one state legislator, Sen. John Lee, D-North Las Vegas, and the firefighters union.

IN THE POLLS

NATIONALLY

Dodd has failed to break out in the Democratic field, often failing to get even 1 percent of the vote.

NEVADA

It's the same story here as nationally for Dodd. In the last poll by the Review-Journal, conducted early this month, he got zero percent of likely Democratic caucus-goers.

POSITIONS

WAR/NATIONAL SECURITY

Says "bold engagement" is the way to strengthen America's security at home and reputation abroad. He stresses a comprehensive approach encompassing global anti-terrorism and preventing nuclear proliferation in addition to ending the war in Iraq. Dodd voted in favor of the war in 2002.

HEALTH CARE

Cites his background as author of the Family and Medical Leave Act as proof he can get change done when it comes to health care. He would require universal coverage and create a health insurance marketplace similar to federal employee benefits.

IMMIGRATION

Supports immigration changes that strengthen border security while helping existing illegal immigrants achieve legal status. He opposes driver's licenses for illegal immigrants.

NEVADA ISSUES

Once said he supported "moving nuclear waste out of Connecticut to (the) Yucca Mountain site," but he has voted against the proposed Nevada nuclear waste repository. He does not oppose expanding nuclear power.

ENERGY

He would start a carbon tax on businesses and set a goal of a reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050.

TAXES

Dodd's proposed carbon tax would generate an estimated $50 billion in new government revenue. He would roll back President Bush's tax cuts.

CRITICS

In his role as chairman of the banking committee, Dodd has been accused of taking too much time away from Senate business to campaign and of taking too much in contributions from the industries he regulates. However, like most low-profile candidates, Dodd's biggest problem isn't scandal -- it's his inability to get noticed.