Bayh Suprise Retirement Opens Opportunity for Conservatives

ARRA News Service - Indiana Senator Evan Bayh (D) in a stunning announcement today said that he will not seek re-election this year, a decision that hands conservatives a prime pickup opportunity. Bayh said at a news conference,"There are better ways to serve my fellow citizens.& 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."

He was first elected to the Senate in 1998 and was re-elected easily in 2004. National Republicans had recruited former Sen. Dan Coats to challenge Bayh in 2010 although polling suggested Bayh began the race with a 20-point edge. He also had $13 million in the bank at the end of the year. Rumors are already developing that Bayh may be interested in running for president as a more centrist democrat. He identified that he is not ruling out any options.

Former Senator Dan Coats (R) and former Congressman John Hostettler (R) have the highest name ID of the candidates currently in the race, but they also have their drawbacks. Coats hasn't lived in Indiana for over a decade, he's a Washington, DC lobbyist, and he has a mixed record on the 2nd Amendment. Hostettler was defeated by a Democrat in 2006 and some conservatives have taken issue with his opposition to the Iraq War.

There is another candidate in the race named Marlin Stutzman (R) who is not as well-known but has a compelling story and appears to be gaining momentum. Stutzman is a fourth-generation family farmer and a state senator. He supports true budget reform, is anti-tax, pro-2nd Amendment, and 100% pro-life. Erick Erickson, the editor of the conservative website RedState.com, recently announced his support for Stutzman. Stutzman could become the candidate conservatives and Tea Party activists unite behind.

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