The International Association of Fire Fighters, a critical source of support in past, Democratic presidential nomination fights, apparently is getting ready to weigh in for a non-frontrunner, Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd.

  In 2004, the IAFF's backing was critical for John Kerry in his come-from-behind victory in the primary over ex-Vermont Gov. Howard Dean.

   When Kerry had hit rock botttom in the polls, IAFF leaders here organized ``Fire House Chile Fests'' for Kerry that turned out big crowds and help boost the candidate's profile as a fighter for the working man.

    Likewise in 2000, the union weighed in for and helped then-Vice President Al Gore eke out his close victory here over New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley.

    So why as The Politico blog first reported with the union go with someone who is in single-digits in the polls?

    Dodd was an author off the landmark Fire and Safer Acts which prior to the 2001 terrorist attacks funneled billions in training and equipment grants for the nation's firefighters.