Evan Bayh To Retire
Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh will never seek re-election in 2010, a decision that hands Republicans a prime pickup opportunity in the center of the united states.
“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, in accordance with prepared remarks obtained from the Fix. He’ll make the decision formal in a press conference later today.
Bayh was first elected for the Senate in 1998 and was re-elected easily in 2004. National Republicans had recruited former Senator. Dan Coats to challenge Bayh this year although polling suggested Bayh began the race using a 20-point edge. He also had $13 million in the bank at the end in the year.
“My decision was not motivated by political concern,” Bayh is expected to say. “Even in the current challenging environment, I am confident in my prospects for re-election.”
His retirement is often a blow for Senate Democrats who now must legitimately worry about the possibility — although it remains a longshot today — that they need to lose control of the Senate inside fall.

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