WASHINGTON --Sen. Christopher Dodd may lack the campaign cash of his better-known 2008 presidential rivals, but he still has some star power on his side.

The Connecticut Democrat got a financial boost from several entertainment industry celebrities in recent months, including Paul Newman, his wife, Joanne Woodward, Michael Douglas, Steve Martin and singer Paul Simon, according to his new campaign fundraising report.

Chevy Chase, Alec Baldwin, singer Joan Jett and Jimmy Buffett of "Margaritaville" fame also wrote checks for Dodd, Setzer noted.

Newman and his wife, longtime residents of Westport, Conn., each gave the maximum allowable contribution of $4,600, according to Dodd's first-quarter fundraising report that was filed Sunday with the Federal Election Commission.

Simon hosted a fundraiser in New York City earlier this year, according to Setzer. He gave $4,600.

Other checks for Dodd came from Dream Works Studios CEO David Geffen, NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol, former Hollywood lobbyist Jack Valenti and Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.

Celebs contribute to Dodd presidential bid
By Andrew Miga, Associated Press Writer | April 16, 2007
http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2007/04/16/celebs_contribute_to_dodd_presidential_bid/