I know he’s not from MA but maybe some people will think it is newsworthy and open for discussion.
WASHINGTON – Sen. Evan Bayh, a prominent Democrat who has been mentioned prominently in connection with White House sweepstakes in recent years, is ready to announce he will not seek re-election, senior Democratic officials said Monday.
Bayh’s departure continues a recent exodus from Congress among both Democrats and Republicans, including veteran Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, amid polls showing a rising anti-incumbent fervor in an electorate angry over high unemployment, mounting federal deficits and lucrative banking industry bonuses.
The official, who said the 54-year-old Bayh was ready to announce his plans at an Indianapolis news conference later Monday, divulged the senator’s decision only on grounds of anonymity because the announcement was still pending.
What is happening to the Democrats leaving Congress? I have also seen some Republicans leaving their seats but these seem to be the “older” no surprise decisions as opposed to the Dodd/Bayd/Dorgan decisions which are clearly not planned…
What up????
kbusch says
pogo says
…yes this is big news, but as of last week (post P Kennedy) we had more House Rs retiring than Ds and I think more Sen Rs announced retirement.
johnd says
The question I’m trying to get at is why are they leaving. The talk right now is November will be a slaughter for the Democrats but there’s still 9-1/2 months for job improvements, Afghanistan War successes… but I suppose there is also the thoughts that unemployment could stay flat or worsen, the War could go bad, Eric Holder could make some more bad decisions and healthcare reform could be dead and a GIANT waste of time.
<
p>For the sake of the party and their states, I would hope any politician leaving office to please do so soon so replacement candidates can have time to prepare their campaigns, raise money and establish themselves. We saw in January how a short election cycle can produce unpredictable results…
sabutai says
2010 will not be a good year to be an incumbent, whether you’re a Democrat or Republican. Hence over a dozen from each side bailing out.
johnk says
It seems very odd that he’s retiring. Maybe he does hates being in the Senate, he did always mention that he liked being a Governor better.
<
p>Definitely different jobs.
amberpaw says
And I don’t read anything more than that into it. I do think that Ted Kennedy’s death was a kind of wake up call “on both sides of the aisle” as to mortality being there for all of us/them.
<
p>And some want to exit, stage left, and go back to having a private life. As appealing as governance is, and the adrenaline rush from campaigning, you know what? Some get sick of it, or find out a child or grandchild is carrying/sired and out of wedlock kid, has cancer, whatever, and want to deal with life and family matters when they are no longer newsworthy.
<
p>Given the the fear or respect that has led to limited challenges of incumbents, having folks exit stage left while they have enough juice to enjoy life, teach in college, whatever — and give someone else a chance to run for office and be involved in governance is a good thing. At least I think so.
joeltpatterson says
What Digby Said is just perfect this time.
<
p>As the Democrats now had have their best chance to enact their agenda, “leaders” like Bayh dither then walk away.
<
p>
obroadhurst says
One thing I have found interesting about the Democrats now jumping ship: They tend either to be jellyfish, or bought and paid for hacks. In short, they’re what populists of both the left and the right have quite justifiably been railing against.
johnd says
Story
<
p>
<
p>And this addresses my comment above describing how potentially damaging it is when an elected official does this…
<
p>
joets says
johnd says
VOTE’M OUT