Today's New York Times business section has an interesting rundown on the balancing act awaiting Dem Senator Chris Dodd as he prepares to take over as chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and readies a possible Presidential run:

"Does he become a populist champion on issues that broadly affect the middle class” asked Travis B. Plunkett, the legislative director of the Consumer Federation of America, “or does he shrink from controversial issues that offend huge donors?"

It is a question facing not only Mr. Dodd, but the Democratic Party more generally as it assumes control of Congress.

The article has a good summary of all the things big corporations (who are also big donors) will be hoping to win from Dodd, goals that could conflict with the Democratic Party's promise to use its majority to bring relief to the broad middle class. It notes that Dodd is adept at playing both sides: While he has a "reputation for using his skills as a legislative deal maker to benefit many of America’s most powerful corporate interests," he's also "worked closely with consumer groups to battle the large banks and credit card companies in their ultimately successful attempt to overhaul the bankruptcy system." How Dodd balances the competing forces will define his chairmanship and possibly his potential Presidential run -- and more broadly will help define the Dems' tenure on economic issues, too. The full article is here.