The 2004 United States Senate election in Connecticut took place on November 2, 2004, alongside other elections to the United States Senate in other states as well as elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Democrat U.S. Senator Chris Dodd won re-election for a fifth term.

Major candidates Democratic Chris Dodd, incumbent U.S. Senator since 1981

Republican Jack Orchulli, CEO and co-founder of a Michael Kors's apparel company.

General election Campaign Incumbent Chris Dodd was one of the most powerful senators in Congress. In the election cycle, Dodd raised over $7 million. His top five contributors were Bear Stearns, Citigroup, National Westminster Bank, Lehman Brothers, and Goldman Sachs.

The Republican nominee, Jack Orchulli, ran as fiscal conservative and social moderate. He broke ranks with his party on gay marriage and abortion. He often talked about a "broken education system." He argued that Dodd hasn't done anything in his 30 years in Congress to fix such issues as traffic problems in Fairfield County.

Orchulli launched a statewide TV ad campaign in September, as he spent over $1.1 million and pledged to spend "whatever it takes" if polls showed that he was gaining ground on Dodd.

Predictions Source Ranking As of Sabato's Crystal Ball November 1, 2004

Results

By county County Christopher DoddDemocratic Jack OrchulliRepublican Various candidatesOther parties Margin Total votes cast # % # % # % # % Fairfield 222,523 61.7% 133,982 37.1% 4,291 1.2% 88,541 24.6% 360,796 Hartford 250,482 70.2% 101,132 28.3% 5,123 1.4% 149,350 41.9% 356,737 Litchfield 51,010 57.7% 34,975 39.6% 1,355 2.6% 16,035 18.1% 88,340 Middlesex 53,536 69.0% 23,154 29.8% 949 1.2% 30,382 39.2% 77,639 New Haven 218,571 67.1% 101,720 31.2% 5,257 1.6% 116,851 35.9% 325,548 New London 75,762 70.6% 29,683 27.7% 1,812 1.6% 46,079 42.9% 107,257 Tolland 44,101 67.7% 20,049 30.8% 1,006 1.7% 24,052 35.9% 65,156 Windham 29,362 67.9% 13,054 30.2% 837 1.9% 16,308 37.7% 43,253Totals945,34766.35%457,74932.13%21,6301.52%487,59834.22%1,424,726

By congressional district Dodd won all five congressional districts, including three that elected Republicans. District Dodd Orchulli Representative 71% 27%John Larson 68% 30%Rob Simmons 70% 29%Rosa DeLauro 62% 37%Chris Shays 60% 38%Nancy Johnson

See also 2004 United States Senate elections

References