Another one jumps ship: Sen Evan Bayh

February 15, 2010

updated (video/text) of announcement

CNN, MSNBC and the IndyStar are reporting Sen Evan Bayh (D-IN) will be not be seeking re-election for a third term – even though he had his petitions, had $13M and (Feb 8-10) polling had him 20 points ahead. He seems to have just had enough with partisan politics.

Deadline for filing is TOMORROW.

Evidently Indiana Democratic Party will be able to select their candidate.

Will formally announce at 2pm press conference.

No official statement on his website but the Indy Star already has it. [emphasis added]

After all these years, my passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished, but my desire to do so in Congress has waned.My decision was not motivated by political concern. 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. 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.

Two weeks ago, the Senate voted down a bipartisan commission to deal with one of the greatest threats facing our nation: our exploding deficits and debt. The measure would have passed, but seven members who had endorsed the idea instead voted ‘no’ for short-term political reasons. Just last week, a major piece of legislation to create jobs — the public’s top priority — fell apart amid complaints from both the left and right. All of this and much more has led me to believe that there are better ways to serve my fellow citizens, my beloved state and our nation than continued service in Congress.

And as the dates near for filings (only 5 passed) the numbers are going to continue to rise.

Think about the 2008 election.

Presidential candidates:
EDWARDS: disgraced adulterer – out of politics forever
DODD: retiring – probably out of politics forever
RICHARDSON:  pay-to-play investigations – couldn’t get FBI clearance – out Jan 2011

Took JOE BIDEN as his VP and HILLARY CLINTON as Secy of State.

VP candidates:
TIM KAINE: Gov Va -> DNC chairman = GOP governor
EVAN BAYH: retiring -> ?

Loses Sen TED KENNEDY‘s seat -> Rep Patrick Kennedy retires

Delaware Attorney General BEAU BIDEN chose not to run for senate in Delaware. VP Biden said it was because Beau was involved in a pedophile case and needed to devote time to it. Republican candidate is Rep MIKE CASTLE – the politician in the infamous townhall video where the lady in red leads folks in the pledge of allegiance.

More of the Obama Effect: North Dakota Sen BYRON DORGAN, Colorado Gov BILL RITTER, Michigan LT GOV JOHN CHERRY (Gov Granholm out due to term limits), Alabama freshman Rep PARKER GRIFFITH switched sides.

It’s a real possibility barry’s senate seat will be taken by Rep MARK KIRK.

How long before HARRY REID calls it quits?