From the AP:
Media reports say Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh has decided to not seek re-election.
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Bayh has a 2pm news conference scheduled at IUPUI.
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Evan Bayh to retire
Chris Cillizza
Washington Post’s The Fix
Feb. 15, 2010
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/evan-bayh-to-retire.html
Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh will not seek re-election this year, a decision that hands Republicans a prime pickup opportunity in the middle of the country.
"After all these years, my passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished, but my desire to do so by serving in Congress has waned," Bayh will say.
Bayh will announce the decision at a press conference later today. He was first elected to the Senate in 1998 and was re-elected easily in 2004. National Republicans had recruited former Sen. Dan Coats to challenge Bayh in 2010 although polling suggested Bayh began the race with a 20-point edge. He also had $13 million in the bank at the end of the year.
Prior to being in the Senate, Bayh served two terms as governor of the Hoosier State. He also served briefly as Secretary of State.
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Bayh was on the short list of candidate Barack Obama's Vice-Presidential picks.
Huge news if its true. A number of Republicans have been lining up for what is increasingly seen as a vulnerable seat.
And this from the National Republican Congressional Committee'sTom Erickson:
Baron Hill has made no secret that he’s got his eye on higher office, specifically a campaign Governor next year. With Sen. Evan Bayh retiring and the filing deadline quickly approaching, will Hill mount a last minute campaign for Senate?
