As expected, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (D) announced Wednesday afternoon that he would seek retiring Sen. Chris Dodd’s (D-Conn.) seat. Dodd announced his retirement earlier in the day, paving the way for Blumenthal’s announcement. The longtime attorney general’s entrance into the race has been welcomed by local and national Democrats, who view him as their strongest possible candidate to run this year.“I want to fight for the people of Connecticut as tenaciously and tirelessly as I’ve done as attorney general, to make a difference in their lives on issues that are important to them,— Blumenthal said in a phone interview with Roll Call following his announcement. Blumenthal cited his 20-year record in the Nutmeg State as his qualifications for his candidacy. Public polls have shown Blumenthal in a strong position to defeat either of the likely GOP nominees, former Rep. Rob Simmons and former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon. “I have a record,— he said. “People in Connecticut know that I never walk away from a fight and I never fail to put them first.—