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“Democratic Senators Chris Dodd of Connecticut, as well as Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, announcing they’re not going to be seeking reelection.  The move would force Democrats to defend four open Senate seats in order to have a majority.  And adding to concerns, Colorado Governor also expected to announce today that he will not seek a second term.” (CNN)

Call it a triple threat to the Democratic Party’s future in 2010—the announcement of several major retirements could spell trouble.  And with two veteran Senate Dems ditching their campaigns, the Democrats’ fragile 60-vote majority in the Senate is anything but guaranteed.

We’ve got reaction and predictions about the impact from CNN, NBC News, Fox News, Politico, and MSNBC.

First, NBC’s Andrea Mitchell reports on the Today Show that Democrats worry Dorgan’s surprise decision could lead to the critical loss of a long-time liberal seat, but Dodd’s decision could end up working to their advantage.

“It’s huge politically and psychologically.  Dodd’s decision not to run could actually improve Democratic chances in his state.  There’s a popular Attorney General Richard Blumenthal there, so they have a better chance of holding that seat.  Dorgan’s seat now will likely be taken by North Dakota’s Republicans, probably the governor if he chooses to run."

While Dorgan faced some competition, Fox Business Network’s Stuart Varney points out Dodd’s retirement didn’t come as a big surprise.  He faced stiff competition because of recent image and polling problems.

“Senator Dodd could not escape the banking panic of ’08 because he is the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.  On his watch, he allowed AIG executives to walk away with millions of dollars in bonuses after a huge taxpayer bailout.  He got a sweetheart deal from Countrywide Financial right at the center of the subprime mess."

Republicans will defend six open Senate seats in November, with Democrats fighting to hold on to four.  CNN’s Dana Bash reports Dodd and Dorgan’s announcements show that Democrats are starting to feel some heat.

“These two retirements in 24 hours and also one in Colorado where, actually, the governor is hanging it up, it really is an indication, John, that Democrats know how tough this environment is going to be for them this election year.”

With the future uncertain, Politico says don’t count the left out just yet…

“… Democrats are hopeful about their chances in five of the six states where Senate Republicans have their own retirement-related problems — Ohio, New Hampshire, Missouri, Florida and Kentucky. They envision a scenario in which the economy will yield job growth heading into the midterms, and expect that public perception of the party will brighten.”

But the White House might avoid big legislation—sparing Dems from taking controversial votes.  On MSNBC’s "Morning Joe," Savannah Guthrie says don’t expect that ambitious agenda Mr. Obama campaigned on.

“I don’t think we’re going to see a huge, dramatic legislative agenda from the president this year.  I think they’re going to try to hue to the economy as much as they can, jobs, that’s the whole game.  Everybody knows the unemployment picture is the real deciding factor as to how Democrats fair."

So do you think the retirements will bring Democrats new opportunities—or is it the beginning of the end for their majority?

 Writer: Chance Seales