Dodd to tour Iowa with Paul Simon

Singer/songwriter Paul Simon will join Dodd on the campaign trail next month.

WASHINGT0N (CNN) - Sen. Chris Dodd is infusing his bus tour of Iowa next month with some star power.

The Connecticut Democrat and 2008 presidential candidate announced Thursday that Grammy Award-winner Paul Simon will join him on his "River to River" bus tour July 6 and 7. The singer/songwriter will appear with Dodd at tour stops and add "informal performances" according to the campaign.

"Paul is a long-time friend and one of the most important voices in American music, and he has been tireless in his service to the greater good of people throughout our country and the world," Dodd said in a statement. "His music and his commitment to bettering our world reflect the leadership and optimism that my campaign is all about."

Simon, who according to the campaign has endorsed Dodd, donated $4,600 to the Connecticut Democrat last quarter - the maximum amount an individual can give for both a primary and general election campaign.

- CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney