Bye Bayh: Senator Evan Bayh to Retire in Big Blow to Democrats
Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh will announce today that he's not seeking another term, handing a huge blow to Democrats and giving Republicans a key opportunity to pick up another Senate seat in 2010.
The moderate senator from Indiana plans to announce his decision at a news conference this afternoon in Indianapolis, according to two Democratic officials familiar with his plans.
The decision, which comes as a surprise to many Washington insiders, blows a sizeable hole in the Democrats' 2010 lineup. The party faces several other retirements -- Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., both have said they will not seek reelection -- and challenges ahead in trying to hold on to those seats, among a range of others.
Republicans have long eyed Indiana as a prime pick-up opportunity and Bayh's retirement is likely to intensify chatter about the GOP's chances to take over the Senate this year. Republicans are favored to win in North Dakota. They may also be able to capture Vice President Joe Biden's old Senate seat in Delaware.
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