Former Sen. Bayh says he’ll seek Indiana Senate seat again
INDIANAPOLIS — Democrat Evan Bayh launched a bid Wednesday to recapture the Indiana Senate seat he left six years ago, a move that boosts his party’s chances to pick up the Republican-held seat in their effort to regain control of the chamber this fall.
Bayh, 60, cited frustration with Washington gridlock when he retired in 2010 after two Senate terms. He said a recruitment push by national Democrats didn’t sway his decision to seek a political comeback.
“The dysfunction in Washington has gotten even worse over the last six years,” he told The Associated Press. “We have challenges that face our country and our families that aren’t being met. I want to be a part of the solution to the challenges that we face by helping to bring people together, bridging some of the partisan divides that have separated our country.”
Bayh’s announcement came two days after former U.S. Rep. Baron Hill cleared the way by withdrawing as the Democratic nominee for the seat held by Republican Sen. Dan Coats, who is retiring.