Thinkprogress:
In prepared remarks that he will give at a 2 p.m. press conference today, Bayh cites his frustration with the stalemate in Congress:
“Two weeks ago, the Senate voted down a bipartisan commission to deal with one of the greatest threats facing our nation: our exploding deficits and debt. The measure would have passed, but seven members who had endorsed the idea instead voted ‘no’ for short-term political reasons,” he said. “Just last week, a major piece of legislation to create jobs — the public’s top priority — fell apart amid complaints from both the left and right. All of this and much more has led me to believe that there are better ways to serve my fellow citizens, my beloved state and our nation than continued service in Congress.”
Sam Stein notes that Bayh’s replacement will have to “move remarkably fast in order to get his name on the ballot. The deadline to file is this Friday but candidates have to have 500 valid signatures from citizens in Indiana’s nine Congressional Districts to properly certify his or her candidacy.”
Update: Bayh reportedly didn't call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) about his retirement until after the media broke the news.
Bayh called Obama first not Reid according to TPM. Also from TPM:
Democratic sources have told us that Ellsworth and Rep. Baron Hill are possible choices for the Indiana Democrats, who will name a candidate June 30. Hill (D-IN) is on a military Congressional delegation abroad this week.
1 comment:
Sen. Bayh is leaving because his corruption could be exposed soon. His wife is on many insurance boards and he's gotten billions in kick back money over the years voting to support those Corporations. Now it time to fold up shop and get out. He has made enough money over the years and doesn't want to be brought up on charges. Many other Law Makers will soon quickly announce their retirement. Many Law Makers have expressed the reasons they stay in office is because of the kick back money.
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