WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, a 2008 presidential candidate, has scored an endorsement from a high profile New Hampshire Democrat, the senator announced Thursday.

Former New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Joe Keefe will serve as an advisor to Dodd's budding presidential campaign in the Granite State. In 2004, Keefe advised Sen. John Kerry, the winner of the New Hampshire primary and the eventual party nominee.

"Chris Dodd's record of leadership -- on family issues, economic issues, national security and global issues, and in the Democratic Party -- is second to none, and I think he brings qualities to this race that no other candidate can equal or surpass," Keefe said in a statement.

Dodd is currently serving his 5th term as senator from Connecticut and declared he was running for president last month.