Evan Bayh Refuses to Run for a Third Senate Term in Indiana

Democratic Senator, Evan Bayh, of Indiana, shocked my hometown of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and the entire country of the United States Monday morning by dropping out of the race for reelection. I follow Evan Bayh closely not only because I live in his state, but also because he spoke at my wife's commencement ceremony at Butler University, and his wife once worked with my father in law. In his announcement he claimed that the reason for his decision "should not be interoperated for more than it is, a very difficult, deeply personal one."

So what is so personal? He doesn't have any terminal illness or scandal up his sleave (that we know of). All he gave were his philosophical differences with Congress: "I'm an executive at heart. I value my independence. I'm not motivated by strident partisanship or ideology. These traits may be useful in many walks of life, but unfortunately they are not highly valued in Congress." So it's Congress's fault.

Republicans and conservatives are jumping for joy at the prospect of taking this Democratic seat. Some speculation on Bayh's decision to resign revolves around the tough upcoming race he faced against Republican Mike Pence. But Bayh claims he was "not motivated by political concern." And according to politico.com Bayh had a hefty $13 million to spend on his campaign.

Other speculation surrounds his future ambitions, political or otherwise. Bayh claims he is interested in "creating jobs by helping to grow a business, helping guide an institution of higher education...or helping run a worthy charitable or philanthropic endeavor." By Monday night, pundits of the Huffington Post and other organizations can't help wondering if this is a move for Obama's job in 2012. Maybe this "executive at heart" will run for president, but I don't think he'll win.

Sources:

Evan Bayh video on Politico: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0210/32971.html#ixzz0fe2wTPhG

The Huffington Post, http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20100216/cm_huffpost/463202