On the presidential trail...

U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd is going to the airwaves, launching his first television commericals in his bid to win the Democratic nomination for president. The 30-second ads will run on TV stations in Iowa and New Hampshire, as well as national cable channels. The ad focuses attention on Dodd's opposition to the continued war in Iraq.

"This ad draws a clear distinction between Senator Dodd and the rest of the Democratic field," said Dodd campaign manager Sheryl Cohen. "Chris Dodd understands that half measures aren't going to change George Bush's course in Iraq, and he's set himself apart by fighting for a plan that would use Congressional power to require the President to safely and responsibly redeploy American troops and bring an end to the war."

Here's the script of the ad:

CHRIS DODD: Half measures won't stop this president from continuing our involvement in Iraq's civil war. That's why I'm fighting for the only responsible measure in Congress that would take away the President's blank check and set a timetable to bring our troops home.

Unfortunately, my colleagues running for President have not joined me. I'm Chris Dodd. I'm running for President. I approved this message because we can't simply wait for a new President. We should have the conviction to stand up to this one.

you can see the ad at: www.chrisdodd.com.