Bayh's decision leaves analysts buried under questions

[IndianaGreen]

Bayh's decision leaves analysts buried under questions

Posted: February 15, 2010

What began as a slow and snowy Presidents Day in Indiana suddenly became one of the biggest political days in the state in this young century.

Sen. Evan Bayh is not running for re-election, a decision that reshapes the political structure in Indiana, while immediately sending political minds spinning and raising a host of crucial questions.

-- Which Democrat will step up to take Bayh's spot on the ballot?
-- Do Democrats without Bayh have any chance of holding onto the Senate seat in this Republican-leaning state?
-- How does this impact the GOP primary, and former Sen. Dan Coats' chances?
-- What is Bayh's legacy?
-- Who becomes the face of the Indiana Democratic Party?
-- Why did Bayh wait so long -- just before the filing deadline -- to announce his decision?

The news makes you wonder whether Rep. Mike Pence and Secretary of State Todd Rokita regret their decisions not to enter the race. Pence in particular would have likely cleared the GOP field -- perhaps not officially but for all practical purposes.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20100215/NEWS08/2160302/Tully-Bayh-buries-us-under-questions

[LiberalFighter]

1. Negative or positive legacy? My vote is negative.