Dodd faced deaths of sister and Sen. Dodd , was treated for prostate cancer the past year . And just as I 've encouraged the people of Connecticut , I 'm looking to the future with a spirit of optimism and confidence , '' he said . Republican is Massachusetts 's longest-serving senator . He suffered blows to reputation in last year , was facing tough re-election bid . Throughout his career , Dodd has focused on children 's issues .
Dodd faced deaths of sister and Sen. Dodd , was treated for prostate cancer the past year . Republican is Massachusetts 's longest-serving senator . He suffered blows to reputation in last year , was facing tough re-election bid . Throughout his career , Dodd has focused on children 's issues .