Sen. Evan Bayh Announces Retirement: “The People’s Business Is Not Getting Done”

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by Steve Krakauer | 3:37 pm, February 15th, 2010

» 6 comments

Sen. Evan Bayh made a surprise announcement this Presidents’ Day – he would not be seeking re-election and instead would retire at the end of his term.

The announcement was made at 2pmET, with the Democrat from Indiana flanked by his family, and was covered on all the cable news networks live. It also presents some new storylines for the cablers to discuss.

The big question is what happens in the race for Indiana Senate, and if any new candidates will enter the fray now that the incumbent is leaving. Also, apparently Bayh failed to give much warning of his decision to Pres. Obama or Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Of course, this also continues the storyline of Democratic seats in the House and Senate being extremely vulnerable this November.

• Interestingly, it appears Wonkette broke the news thanks to a tip this morning.

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Evan Bayh, Sen. Evan Bayh

The Real Royal King

Congratulations, Wonkette.
Moderate

Internal polls said get out rather than wait for the “throw the bums out” movement.
The Real Royal King

I don’t think this will be a kind year to many incumbents, regardless of party or ideology. I only wish the Demented Turtle were running.
libra blue

Nicely said! I have always respected Evan Bayh, I always felt he was honest and sincere. I guess that is why he feels uncomfortable in Congress. Sorry to see him leave, I would like to see him run for the presidencey in 2012.

Diogenes would have been proud!
parakeeta

Glad to see him go — he was a DINO.
pyrope

Mr. Bayh has seen the handwriting on the wall and he’s scurrying away much as are Chris Dood, Patrick “freebase” Kennedy, and some other libs who have been around far too long. In 2010, the Democrats will lose 7-10 seats in the Senate and 27-30 seats in Congress. In 2012–if the -0bama regime has not launched some kind of coup, the Democrats will lose more seats in both houses and–if the Republicans are fortunate enough to place a true conservative with an adequate set of cajones on the ticket, they will lose the White House. What we’ve got to guard against is Mr. -0bama signing some Executive Order to circumvent the Constitution and stop free elections.