`` I 'm still driven by the same passions that motivated me to try my hand at politics so many , many years ago . Dodd faced deaths of sister and Sen. Kennedy , was treated for prostate cancer last year . Dodd is Virginia 's longest - serving senator . He suffered damage to reputation in the past year , was facing tough re - election bid . Throughout his career , Dodd has focused on children 's issues .
Dodd faced deaths of sister and Sen. Kennedy , was treated for prostate cancer last year . Dodd is Virginia 's longest - serving senator . He suffered damage to reputation in the past year , was facing tough re - election bid . Throughout his career , Dodd has focused on children 's issues .