The new Quinnipiac poll in Connecticut suggests that Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd could be beginning to climb out of the hole he's been in -- but he's still most definitely in it.

Former Rep. Rob Simmons, the GOP establishment favorite, leads Dodd by 44%-39%, down from a 48%-39% lead in July. The margin of error is ±3.2%

Dodd's approval rating is at 43%, with a disapproval of 49%, but this too is an improvement over his 42%-52% rating in July. In addition, 40% of registered voters say he is honest and trustworthy, compared to 51% who say he is not, up from a 35%-55% deficit in July.

From the pollster's analysis: "Sen. Christopher Dodd's approval keeps edging up, and he is bringing down his high negatives. For the first time in six months, his disapproval is under 50 percent, just barely."