Evan Bayh Will Not Seek Re-Election
Evan Bayh, another key Democrat, will not seek re-election this November.
In a move which surprised both Democrats and Republicans, Evan Bayh, two-term senator from Indiana, has announced that he will not run for re-election when his term expires this year. Known as a moderate Democrat, Bayh indicated that he has tired of partisan politics.
“After all these years, my passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished, but my desire to do so in Congress has waned,” he said, according to The Indianapolis Star.
“My decision was not motivated by political concern,” he added. “Even in the current challenging environment, I am confident in my prospects for re-election.”
“But running for the sake of winning an election, just to remain in public office, is not good enough,” Bayh said. “And it has never been what motivates me. At this time I simply believe I can best contribute to society in another way: creating jobs by helping grow a business, helping guide an institution of higher learning or helping run a worthy charitable endeavor.”
Sources told Fox News that Indiana Reps. Baron Hill and Brad Ellsworth are possible Democratic contenders to vie for Bayh’s vacant seat.
Fox reported that Bayh’s retirement decision comes after Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., both announced their retirements in January. Democrats are trying to defend open seats in Delaware and Illinois as well.
Republican seats in will be open in Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire and Ohio.
Bayh’s announcement presents an immediate dilemma for Indiana Republicans who have not been enthusiastic about former GOP Sen. Dan Coats who had been planning to challenge Bayh in November. There will without doubt be a genuine race emerge for the state’s GOP Senate primary.
2010 promises to be an exciting year for politico-enthusiasts.
