Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) Announces That He Won't Run Again - A MUST READ!!!

Hello All!
The below story from the Washington Post is a must read! Senator Bayh will be missed. Not being a "Rubber Stamp" Democrat made him a great leader and true to his constituents. I wish him all the best!

-Aaron

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Sen. Bayh won't run again, leaving Democratic majority vulnerable

By Chris Cillizza and Shailagh Murray
Washington Post
Posted: 02/15/2010 05:26:40 PM PST
Updated: 02/15/2010 05:26:41 PM PST

Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana announced Monday that he will not seek a third term in November, a decision that, coming on the heels of other Democratic departures, could imperil the party's prospects of retaining control of the Senate.

Bayh cited the lack of bipartisanship on Capitol Hill as his main reason for leaving, adding to skepticism that the fractiousness in Washington can be repaired and undermining President Barack Obama's efforts to build bridges.

"There is too much partisanship and not enough progress — too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problem-solving," Bayh said in a statement. "Even at a time of enormous challenge, the people's business is not being done."

His announcement in Indianapolis came amid Democrats' rising anxiety about the party's national standing, especially among independent voters who tend to identify with middle-of-the-road Democrats such as Bayh. A growing anti-incumbent mood fueled Republican Scott Brown's victory last month in a special election for the Senate seat held by the late Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, one of the chamber's longtime liberals. Democrats were defeated in the 2009 gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Senior Democratic Sens. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota and Christopher Dodd of Connecticut announced recently that they would not run for re-election.

National polls underscore the American public's disenchantment with the government: Just 36 percent of those surveyed said they planned to vote to re-elect their representative in Congress, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll this month.
The volatility of the political landscape, coupled with Democratic retirements, raise the possibility that Republicans could reclaim control of the Senate in the fall, according to political handicapper Charlie Cook, who puts 10 seats held by Democrats in the category of "most competitive."

"For months, the conversation has been about whether the Democratic majority in the House was in danger," Cook said. "Now, you can legitimately talk about whether their Senate majority is at some risk."

Already this year, 43 lawmakers have announced that they will depart the House or the Senate — more than the 39 who made similar announcements in spring 2008, an election year known for its many departures.

In a statement Monday, Obama praised Bayh, saying that "he has fought tirelessly for Indiana's working families, reaching across the aisle on issues ranging from job creation and economic growth to fiscal responsibility and national security."
Bayh's decision surprised the political world, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Reid spokesman Jim Manley said. Bayh called Reid to tell him the decision about an hour after the news had leaked.

Although Bayh pointed to the lack of bipartisan spirit as his main reason, those who know him say that he never seemed at ease in the Senate, and that, with his aspirations for higher office disappointed, the price of public office may have been too high.

His decision to retire comes 18 months after he was short-listed to be Obama's vice presidential nominee. It was the second time he was considered, but not selected, for the No. 2 spot on the national ticket. Bayh took an exploratory look at the 2008 presidential contest, but ended the effort just weeks later.