Bye, Bayh: Ind. Senator will not seek reelection

Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, D, shocked the state Monday by announcing he will not seek re-election for a third term in Congress, citing frustration with partisan politics as the main reason.

“There is too much partisanship and not enough progress ­— too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problem-solving,” Bayh said at a press conference. “Even at a time of enormous challenge, the peoples’ business is not being done.”

Despite a slew of Republican challengers including former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats, Bayh said his decision was not at all swayed by the upcoming election.

“My decision was not motivated by political concern,” Bayh said. “Even in the current challenging environment, I am confident in my prospects for re-election.”

The IU alumnus had good reason to be confident.

A poll released last week by Daily Kos/Research 2000 showed Bayh having a 20-point lead over Coats and a 16-point lead over GOP candidate and former congressmen John Hostettler.

The announcement also deals a blow to Democrats on the national level, as Bayh is now the fifth Democratic Senator to announce he will not seek re-election in November.

For Indiana Democrats, the announcement means a scramble to find Bayh’s replacement.

While no one has officially announced their intention to run for the now open seat, Rep. Brad Ellsworth, D-Evansville, said in a statement he is considering running.

“I appreciate the support of those Hoosiers who have already encouraged me to run for Sen. Bayh’s seat,” he said. “The next step will be taking a few days to talk to my wife and to folks in Indiana about where I can best serve our state.”

Other names that have been thrown around as potential candidates include Rep. Baron Hill, D-9th District, and Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.

Weinzapfel, who has also been mentioned in talks of running for governor in 2012, has no Washington experience.

“He’s worthy of consideration,” said University of Evansville political science professor Robert Dion. “Weinzapfel would be something of a fresh face whereas Coats or Hostettler would be seen as a Washington veteran.”

However, Weinzapfel issued a statement Monday that said he’s not interested in the position.

“I am not interested in pursuing this opportunity,” the statement said. “With two years left in my second term as Mayor of the City of Evansville, I am committed to leading my community through these challenging times.”

With a deadline of noon today to collect 4,500 signatures to get a candidate’s name on the ballot for the May primary, it doesn’t appear any new candidate will have time to complete the task.

Tamyra d’Ippoltio, Bloomington restaurant owner and Bayh’s only Democratic challenger, said she’s 1,000 signatures short of the 4,500 needed but said she hopes to double her 3,500 total and reach 7,000 by today’s deadline.

If she does, she’ll win the Democratic nomination for the General Election.

If she doesn’t collect the signatures, the Democrats will have until June 30 to name a candidate through a caucus.

Still, news of Bayh’s surprise retirement less than 24 hours before the signature deadline doesn’t bode well for Democrats hoping to keep the Senate seat blue in the future.

“Everyone would have liked a little more notice,” said Dion. “This timing was rotten. Evan Bayh didn’t do the party any favors.”