Yesterday Chris Dodd’s Credit CARD Act passed overwhelmingly. It’s a victory for regulation of an industry run amok and will provide a great deal of protection for consumers from predatory lending practices and usurious rates. The Hartford Courant calls it a “big win for Dodd.” Former Ned Lamont campaign manager, Tom Swam, has a great bit of analysis in the Courant piece:

 “This is the first real significant step by Congress to protect [consumers from] some of the more abusive practices,” said Tom Swan, executive director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group. “Sen. Dodd has had a tough couple of months, and a victory like this reminds people of his ability to get things done. …[It] is this exact type of thing he needs between now and next November.”

Beyond Dodd’s Credit CARD legislation, Dodd also received high praise today from President Obama for his work on housing legislation.

Present at Obama’s bill signing Wednesday afternoon were two Democrats headed for high-profile Senate races in 2010.

One was embattled Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, who Obama credited with passing a key housing measure.

“We wouldn’t be here without my good friend Chris Dodd,” he said.

One of the ways Dodd can solidify his numbers in Connecticut is by continuing to be the effective, progressive legislator he’s been for the last 30 plus years for the citizens of Connecticut. When he leads, he gets strong recognition from key influentials both in Connecticut and at the national level. It’s this sort of success that makes me confident Dodd will be able to weather the storm and win reelection in 2010.