AUGUSTA - Organizers of the Maine Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson dinner said Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, the scheduled keynote speaker today's event, canceled his appearance to stay in Washington as talks over the nation's financial crisis continue.

Dodd serves as chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.

State Democratic Party spokeswoman Rebecca Pollard said the dinner at the Lewiston armory would go on, with the speaking program including Gov. John Baldacci, 2nd Congressional District Rep. Mike Michaud, 1st Congressional District Rep. and U.S. Senate nominee Tom Allen, and 1st Congressional District nominee Chellie Pingree.