Sens. Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) have more than $6 million between them in their campaign accounts — political funds they don’t need now that they’re not seeking re-election.

Dorgan had $3.9 million cash-on-hand and Dodd had $2.1 million banked at the end of September 2009, according to their most recent campaign finance reports. Dorgan and Dodd almost certainly have more than that now, because members of Congress typically raise more money than they spend this early in an election cycle. Dorgan and Dodd will report by Jan. 31 how much money they had in their accounts at the end of 2009.

No doubt that the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which will plot party strategy in the open-seat contests in North Dakota and Connecticut, would like a big chunk of those funds as it works to defend its 60-40 majority against determined Republican opposition. Members of Congress are permitted to transfer unlimited sums from their campaign committees to national party organizations. They can also transfer funds to charities.