A note from the campaign of Sen. Chris Dodd, written by the senator's wife, says that Dodd — the embattled five-term Connecticut Democrat who is seeking re-election next year — underwent early-stage prostate cancer surgery this morning. Jackie Clegg Dodd says that the surgery "went very well" and that the doctors "predict a full recovery."

Dodd is facing the toughest challenge of his Senate career in 2010, where he is likely to be opposed by former Rep. Rob Simmons (R).

Jon Huntsman resigned as governor of Utah today to become the U.S. Ambassador to China. The Senate confirmed Huntsman on Aug. 7. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Huntsman "said he felt a sense of emptiness as he leaves 'a state and people we love and job that has been the most rewarding of my life.' 'It is our hope that we have measured up,' he said. 'I am confident that we are better prepared than any other state in America to meet our future needs.'"

Taking over as the 17th governor of Utah is fellow Republican Gary Herbert, who faces "a projected $700 million budget shortfall next year and an economy that, while better than most in the country, continues to hobble along." Herbert opposed Huntsman for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in 2004, dropping out a month before the state Republican convention to become Huntsman's running mate. He is considered far more conservative than Huntsman, who surprised Republicans with his support for civil unions.

We received a few totally opposite reactions to Hillary Clinton's response to a question from a student in Congo on Monday. The questioner apparently asked the secretary of state what her husband thought about a Chinese loan offer to Congo; at least that's how it was translated to the sec/state. But it was her reaction that drew headlines. Some cheered her on and said her answer was a perfect feminist response to a sexist question; others said the incident reminded them of the "prickly" Clinton they rejected for president in 2008.

Here's the video. What do you think?