Political Scene

SENATE

Ethics panel drops complaint against Dodd

The Senate Select Committee on Ethics has dismissed a complaint alleging that outgoing Sen. Christopher J. Dodd obtained a cottage in Ireland at a low price as an improper gift from a businessman.

The Connecticut Democrat says the allegations by a conservative group were baseless and politically motivated.

Judicial Watch questioned last year whether the price Mr. Dodd paid for the seaside home in County Galway was so low that it amounted to a gift from real estate businessman Edward “Bucky” Kessinger.

The committee said the evidence does not support the allegations. Mr. Dodd said in his statement that he appreciates the committee’s conclusion.

Mr. Dodd is retiring in January after three decades in the Senate.

COLORADO

Ex-Rep. Salazar weighs state agriculture post

Outgoing Rep. John Salazar could remain in public service after leaving Washington.

Mr. Salazar told the Pueblo Chieftain that Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper has offered him a job as agriculture commissioner and that he and his wife are giving it strong consideration.

Mr. Salazar lost to Republican Scott Tipton in November’s election after serving three terms in Congress representing western and southern Colorado.

A potato farmer and rancher in the San Luis Valley, Mr. Salazar was a candidate for U.S. agriculture secretary after Barack Obama was elected president. Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack got the job.

REDISTRICTING

Lawmakers seek to avoid redistricting fiasco

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