Bayh's Bye-Bye Sends Democrats Into Frenzy

Yesterday's announcement from Senator Evan Bayh (D-Indiana) that he would not seek a third term stems from his unhappiness with the rancor in D.C.—and has now raised questions about whether the Democrats can hold onto its majority in the Senate, given the uncertainty of other races. Building on his statement yesterday, "To put it in words most Hoosiers can understand: I love working for the people of Indiana, I love helping our citizens make the most of their lives, but I do not love Congress, "Bayh said on Good Morning America today, "There's just too much brain-dead partisanship, tactical maneuvering for short-term political advantage rather than focusing on the greater good, and also just strident ideology."

There are 10 Senate races that are deemed "competitive"—which means the Republicans could attempt to regain control. Politico outlines the tough situations in Arkansas, Colorado, Washington, Pennsylvania, and, yes, New York's Gillibrand-Ford drama, (but points out, "The New York GOP is probably too weak to capitalize in any event, but that could change if a Republican with immediate stature saw an opportunity—someone like former Gov. George Pataki"). And now the national Democrats are "scrambling" to find a replacement for Bayh.

The NY Post thinks that Bayh will run in 2012, while some think 2016 is likely and others think that he's done, with one Democratic political consultant telling Politico, "He’s finished. His party needed him to stay and fight, and he ran away. People won’t forget."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in News on February 16, 2010 11:25 AM

Comments [rss]

ANGRYGOD11

I'm not happy with this situation, but if he put in 12 years into a job he doesn't want anymore, then it's time to go.

hotstepper

no big deal here. it is not uncommon for governors who become senators to become disillusioned by having to actually work with other greasy politicians rather than sit on a golden throne and dictate policy from the gov's mansion.

Spirit of 76

Governors have that kind of power? I guess Paterson never got that memo.

henryhamilton

Milquetoast. It's the same song and dance that Bill Bradley was performing a few years back.

krunkymunky

fair to say that this guy was part of the problem and wants nothing to do with the solution?

JacqueMehoff

I thought he was a Republican. I don't think he really was on Obama's side on anything. it's this bickering that hurting the party. what we need is another SOTU address from the Pres. yeah, I said it.

ASSTACKLER

Quitter, what a chump.

Papercutninja

I'm a sortof Democrat (in that i'm not a Republican), but i think as hypocritical as Bayh is, there is truth in his statement. Both parties are just assholes. They will ONLY tow the party line instead of trying to meet somewhere in the middle to actually be a functional government that is beneficial to the people.

CNN/MSNBC VS Fox News doesn't help either. They're just helping to create people that are super-polarized on both sides.

NattyB

"There's just too much brain-dead partisanship, tactical maneuvering for short-term political advantage rather than focusing on the greater good, and also just strident ideology."

Umm yah, Evan Bayh, you were a big part of that problem. Yah, you're wife is on the board of 8 health insurance companies. But, let's just blame "Washington," as if it's some abstract notion that you weren't a part of whatsoever.