DODD MULLS PRESIDENTIAL RUN

With so many candidates expected to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008 it would seem all the niches are taken.

But, the New York Observer reports, Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd has found a slot for himself - the old but new guy.

“I sort of have a unique position because I have experience, but I’m sort of a fresh face,” told the Observer.

HILLARY SEES OBAMA AS BIGGEST ROADBLOCK

Insight reports New York Sen. Hillary Clinton is watching Illinois Sen. Barack Obama very closely, viewing him as the biggest roadblock to her bid to win the Democratic nomination.

Insight quotes "sources close tothe senator" as saying Clinton is trying to detrmine if Obama can be persuaded to join the Clinton ticket or if he might be interested in a key Cabinet post in a Clinton administration in exchange for stearing clear of the presidential race this time around.

OBAMA DECISION IS "WEEKS AWAY"

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Obama told the Chicago Tribune a decision by Obama is still "several weeks away."

ROMNEY HIRES ECONOMICS TEAM

On the Republican side, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney continues to staff-up. The Washington Post reports Romney has signed two former Bush II advisors to lead his economic policy staff.

GILMORE ALSO WEIGHING GOP BID

Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore is considering a run at the White House. But, as ABC's Political Radar blog reports, it's just one of many options Gilmore is considering.