Does anyone think that Indiana Senator (D) Evan Bayh would be retiring from Congress but for the current internecine and anti-incumbent atmosphere? Bayh says it’s not because he doubts that he could be re-elected, and polls back that up (he has a double-digit lead over the Republican likely to run against him):
My decision was not motivated by political concern. Even in the current challenging environment, I am confident in my prospects for re-election. 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.
Bayh also said about his fellow Democrats, in an interview last month after Scott Brown’s election:
There’s going to be a tendency on the part of our people to be in denial about all this…[But] if you lose Massachusetts and that’s not a wake-up call, there’s no hope of waking up.
Perhaps Bayh was tired of caucusing with the sleepers in his own party. Maybe he was tired of the arm-twisting. Or perhaps he was just tired—with a sweeter deal waiting in the wings.
Previously a lifelong Democrat, born in New York and living in New England, surrounded by liberals on all sides, I've found myself slowly but surely 
February 15th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Could there be a sleeper anti-dynastic movement after Scott Brown? The Bayh dynasty is much smaller and less dramatic than the Kennedy’s, but if you look around you see that Joe Biden’s son is not going to run for his seat.
If you are going to throw the bums out, sons and heirs are particularly attractive targets.
February 15th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
In my view, you have it exactly right neo.
Bayh is getting off the ‘Titanic’ while he still can and recognizes that his party’s leadership has completely abandoned any lingering support for blue dog democrats.
Strong possibility that Blanche Lincoln will be the next to ‘realize’ that they can “best contribute to society in another way”.
February 15th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Strong possibility that Blanche Lincoln will be the next to ‘realize’ that they can “best contribute to society in another way”.
I wish to God that Boxer would make the only contribution to America of which she is capable, and resign.
February 15th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
I live in Indiana and I am not so sure Bayh would be reelected.
There are also polls that show him within the margin of error with Hostettler and losing to Pence. In fact in most recent polls Bayh can not muster 50% and that is not good for an incumbent, especially one whose last name is Bayh and who was not so long ago a popular Governor.
I think that once Coats got in the race, Bayh realized that he just might lose that election. That is not for sure of course, but the very fact that he might have to fight for it after all these years might have seemed just to disheartening for him.
February 15th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
The folks at National Review are speculating that he may be trying to position himself in order to challenge Obama in the 2012 primary.
February 15th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
GF, that would be a good development. I won’t be voting for any Democrat, but it’s better for the country for both parties to have good candidates.
February 15th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Via Powerline, The Vail Spot says Barbara Mikulski is also retiring, but apparently for medical reasons (poorly healing broken leg). She has had the seat since 86. I don’t know whether MD can come up with a reasonable Rep candidate, but wouldn’t it be nice?
February 15th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
2010 is shaping up to be interesting indeed. As I often say: I’m waiting in anticipation for November!
February 15th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I agree with Geoffrey Britain: think Evan Bayh is gettin’ off while the gettin’ is good! I happen to like Bayh well enough even tho’ he’s a Democrat. Maybe because he’s a Blue Dog. He’s always acquitted himself with class. And as Neo said, he GOT the mssg. voters sent after MA. ( I was just saying this to my Dad, and he replied that his father, Birch Bayh was a nice man, too. (Dad is not big on politicians, so that’s a major compliment.) Anyway, was I surprised that he knew him! (Dad’s a Floridian). Ya never know.
Back to topic, I don’t know what this Administration is thinking. But if they are throwing their moderates under the bus thinking they are going to replace them w/ far lefties, they are exhibiting a mother of a tin ear that’s much worse than many of us have thought. Then again, maybe it’s that arrogance that has not only become a hallmark of the entire Obama administration, but has now permeated the leadership of the Democratic Party.
The thing is, does this mean these Democratic retirees-to-be are just sick and disgusted w/ the status quo, with the hi-jacking of their party by the far left? Or does it indicate that they have been pursuaded to fall on their swords for the party, and go along to get along until they get out? One more possibility: Rahm Emanuel & Chicago thug tactics. Might they have “skeleton in the closet” info to force compliance or leave? (Should they have such info, I have no doubts about their willingness to use it).
February 15th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Some mouthpiece on Fox earlier today said Harry Reid ditching the bi-partisan jobs bill in favor of one that is more acceptable to liberals was the last straw for Bayh.
Other reports on Fox today said he didn’t even have the courtesy to call Dingy Harry about his decision to retire.
He is one frustrated man with his party.
February 15th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
With Bayh’s talk of excessive partisanship and emphasis on deficit reduction he could be positioning himself for a role in the Tea Party
February 15th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Occam’s,
Here’s a link from Instapundit: Boxer isn’t doing too well.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/02/barbara-boxer-carly-fiorina-chuck-devore.html
February 15th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Expat, thanks. I hope Boxer wins re-election. With Scott Brown’s victory, and the decision by Patrick Kennedy and Chris Dodd not to run for re-election, I’ll die of ecstasy if we also manage to kick her funky butt out of Congress.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:07 am
I’m also wondering how Bayh is going to vote until his term expires. Could he be another “no” on healhcare, etc.? If so, he’s only going to enhance his image, imo, for whatever else he decides to do.
February 16th, 2010 at 1:51 am
Bayh’s retirement is huge.
Bayh is a top-flight moderate Democrat who was on the short list for 2008 VP. He may still have presidential aspirations. If he is leaving the scene for now, that means something is deeply wrong.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. It looks to me like the core of Obama and the Democrats has imploded.
February 16th, 2010 at 6:38 am
Given the timing and the election problems this will cause the Dems, I can’t help but wondering if Bayh didn’t time it deliberately to step on the foot of the party bosses on the way out.
February 16th, 2010 at 8:51 am
I’d say – impeccable timing on President’s Day with only hours to go to submit another Democratic candidate with enough signatures.
Don’t get mad – get even. njcommuter called it correctly… Don’t Step on my new blue suede shoes.
February 16th, 2010 at 11:08 am
Bayh could’ve just said, “I will not seek re-election”.
But Bayh went further.
He went way further 
There really isn’t that much mystery in what he said either.
February 16th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
http://www.redstate.com/mark_i/2010/02/15/that-christie-speech/
New New Jersey governor kickin’ butt.
February 16th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Clip from the Washington Post political blog: Bayh to Obama: take this job and shove it
Looking forward to November 2010!!
And, to November 2012, too. As others here have mentioned, I have no intention to vote for the Democrat candidate, but a centrist challenge to Obama is good “intervention” for that party, which has gone off the wagon of Leftism.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Beware of rising expectiations. The way things are being spun, the Dems could lose 8 seats and proclaim a major comeback victory.