Bayh Retiring From Senate Because of Partisanship

I'm hoping that Obama follows in Evan Bayh's footsteps in this regard and doesn't seek a second term. Politics isn't a means of making meaningful change anymore. Politics is for the icky, power hungry republican types. Let them take over and shrink government. Let Sarah Palin give it whack. Bayh is also getting swift kicks from the left. Let the left and the right knock their fool heads together until it finally hurts.

So why the exit? Bayh says it's the excessive partisanship that makes it hard to do almost anything in Washington.

“After all these years, my passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished, but my desire to do so in Congress has waned,” he says. “But running for the sake of winning an election, just to remain in public office, is not good enough. ... 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.” LAT

Obama's statement:

"For more than two decades, Evan Bayh has devoted his career and his life to serving his fellow Hoosiers. During that time, he has fought tirelessly for Indiana's working families, reaching across the aisle on issues ranging from job creation and economic growth to fiscal responsibility and national security. I look forward to continuing to work with him on these critical challenges throughout the rest of the year. Michelle and I thank Senator Bayh for his leadership and service and wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors."

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