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Bayh on Congress

February 15, 2010 - by Donny Shaw

Announcing his retirement plans this afternoon, Sen. Evan Bayh [D, IN] cited the dysfunctions of Congress as his main reason:

“For some time I’ve had a growing conviction that Congress is not working as it should. There is much too much partisanship and not enough progress. Too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problem solving. Even at a time of enormous national challenge, the people’s business is not getting done. Examples of this are legion but two recent ones will suffice.

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 endorsed the idea, actually co-sponsored the legislation, instead voted no for short-term political reasons.

Just last week, a major piece of legislation to create new jobs — our nation’s top priority today — fell apart amidst complaints from both the left and the 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. To put it into words I think most people can understand, I love working for the people of Indiana. I love helping our citizens make the most of their lives. But I do not love Congress.

You can watch full video of his announcement here.

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Comments

  • emancdf 02/15/2010 3:00pm

    Amazing or what . A senator who is speaking the truth. Not knowing him but understanding what’s happening behind closed doors, you just wonder if there is no tricky tractation behind his decision.
    Anyhow, it is refreshing to hear an elected member of Congress speak up his mind.

  • bcmky 02/16/2010 12:53am

    Now if we an get ALL the rest of them to step down our country may rebound to the greatest it once was. Glad I changed to Independent when I saw the Democrat power’s that be sell Hillary out!

    The Republicans could care less about the unemployed and the Democrat’s are accelerating the out of control spending that George W started. The Democrat’s have quit listening to the American people and the Republican’s never did. They started this ram-rod politics and the Democrat’s have learned this failed partisan politics policy well. I am not so sure of the Tea Party yet, I am in favor of a Unemployed Party!!!! Surely win any election in this country.

  • bcmky 02/16/2010 12:56am

    Sorry about typos and grammar still working on coffee….Need an edit button!

    Now if we can get ALL the rest of them to step down our country may rebound to the greatness it once was. Glad I changed to Independent when I saw the Democratic power’s that be sell Hillary out!

    The Republicans could care less about the unemployed and the Democrat’s are accelerating the out of control spending that George W started. The Democrat’s have quit listening to the American people and the Republican’s never did. They started this ram-rod politics and the Democrat’s have learned this failed partisan politics policy well. I am not so sure of the Tea Party yet, I am in favor of a Unemployed Party!!!! Surely win any election in this country.

  • Glenriven 02/16/2010 9:43am

    Portions of his speach like this one ““For some time I’ve had a growing conviction that Congress is not working as it should.” should be the soundbite of the week on every news outlet in America.


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