Wow! Did he say it like it is

where can we see/hear it? i tried googling already.

Odd, even against Coats he was ahead in the polls. I'm guessing, but, maybe there might be a scandal brewing in the background? A story that's about to break?

Do you have a link to a transcript or video?

This is what I found:
"In his statement, Bayh cited the lack of bipartisan comity as one of the main reasons for the decision. "There is too much partisanship and not enough progress -- too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problem-solving," Bayh will say. "Even at a time of enormous challenge, the peoples' business is not being done." He specifically cited the recent vote that killed the creation of a debt commission as evidence of the partisan gridlock."

I think we all agree with what he said about the dysfunction level in our government - but on the other hand he's been in the Senate for 24 years and this didn't happen overnight.

So instead of trying to improve the situation (which as a forecasted easy winner and Senator with seniority he is well poised to do) he is just going to not represent his state anymore?

And if memory serves, gets to keep the $13 million in campaign money he has raised so far.

His whole premise was that he has never been just a party player. From all I have seen from him that is correct. He claims, and I think rightly so, that he has always considered that Hoosiers come first regardless of part affiliation. His announcement was carried in its entirety on Fox News.

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His whole premise was that he has never been just a party player. From all I have seen from him that is correct. He claims, and I think rightly so, that he has always considered that Hoosiers come first regardless of part affiliation. His announcement was carried in its entirety on Fox News.

Well, IMO both Hoosiers and Americans at large would be far better served by KEEPING people like him in office to find a way to FIX the problem.

We all know that there are problems X,Y,Z in "business as usual" in DC.

We don't know when someone is going to have the balls to step up and change it.

Maybe we'll see him 2012.

Maybe we'll see him 2012.

That seems to be the prevailing wisdom on why he stepped out of the race at this point. (2012 or maybe 2016)

Here's most of it.

Democratic Sen. Bayh won't seek re-election - Yahoo! News

Well, IMO both Hoosiers and Americans at large would be far better served by KEEPING people like him in office to find a way to FIX the problem.

We all know that there are problems X,Y,Z in "business as usual" in DC.

We don't know when someone is going to have the balls to step up and change it.

While I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiment, SB, I think it might be a tad naive. If you've ever worked in a corporate environment where idiocy prevailed, you'd have some idea of what it must be like in Congress, which I'd guess would be entrenched idiocy times 1,000. On NBC's newscast tonight, they ran footage of Bayh's retirement speech and noted that five (I think) other Democratic incumbents decided not to seek re-election for the same reason. I think there are Republicans, too, but again, I don't remember the number. They also noted that the last time this many incumbents chose not to seek re-election for a similar reason was in 1996, and that partisanship has only escalated since then. I wish I knew what the answer is, but whatever it is, it's not making its way to Capitol Hill.

While it's certainly true that most Senators are jumping on the populist hysteria bandwagon and making decisions based on what is going to make them more electable, I think he's being disingenuous about his entire reason for "retiring". In case you're not aware, his wife serves as a Board member of the insurance company Wellpoint, as well as others. She has always sold her stock and the Bayr's have a well appointed nest egg from the health industry. I think he was rightfully disgusted with the jobs bill fiasco, and he seemed to push for a more centrist agenda from the Obama Administration, but you have to wonder when someone's wife is reeling in the kind of money she is vs. his $165K salary. I think he'll be back dependent on what happens with the health care bill and possibly make a run against Obama.

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) -- Just hours after rocking the political world with his surprise retirement announcement, Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind) said that he would undergo treatment for an "all-consuming addiction" to the popular Facebook game Farmville.
"I realized that I had to make a choice between being a United States senator and tending my imaginary farm," a tearful Mr. Bayh told reporters. "I had to look at myself in the mirror and acknowledge that I had a problem."
Majority Leader Harry Reid said that he was shocked by Sen. Bayh's admission, adding, "This is all the more surprising because he hails from a farm state, where there are plenty of actual farms he could take care of."
Elsewhere, a New York Times reporter accused of plagiarism commented on the scandal, calling it "the best of times and the worst of times." More here.

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) -- Just hours after rocking the political world with his surprise retirement announcement, Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind) said that he would undergo treatment for an "all-consuming addiction" to the popular Facebook game Farmville.
"I realized that I had to make a choice between being a United States senator and tending my imaginary farm," a tearful Mr. Bayh told reporters. "I had to look at myself in the mirror and acknowledge that I had a problem."
Majority Leader Harry Reid said that he was shocked by Sen. Bayh's admission, adding, "This is all the more surprising because he hails from a farm state, where there are plenty of actual farms he could take care of."
Elsewhere, a New York Times reporter accused of plagiarism commented on the scandal, calling it "the best of times and the worst of times." More here.

Really hits home doesn't it? ;-)

While it's certainly true that most Senators are jumping on the populist hysteria bandwagon and making decisions based on what is going to make them more electable, I think he's being disingenuous about his entire reason for "retiring". In case you're not aware, his wife serves as a Board member of the insurance company Wellpoint, as well as others. She has always sold her stock and the Bayr's have a well appointed nest egg from the health industry. I think he was rightfully disgusted with the jobs bill fiasco, and he seemed to push for a more centrist agenda from the Obama Administration, but you have to wonder when someone's wife is reeling in the kind of money she is vs. his $165K salary. I think he'll be back dependent on what happens with the health care bill and possibly make a run against Obama.

Wellpoint is the company that was Blue Cross of California before the health insurance industry was deregulated under the Reagan Administration. Since that time, Wellpoint has bought up many of the BCBS companies around the country, including BCBS of Georgia. Having worked at BCBSGA before and after it was acquired by Wellpoint, I can assure you that Wellpoint has played a huge role in our current healthcare crisis.

I believe that a large reason for the exodus has to be the recent Supreme Court ruling that opened the floodgates on corporate campaign contributions, just when the small donors were finally getting their voices heard. If I were an elected official not in lock step with entrenched corporate interests, I'd probably be heading for the exits as well.

Farmville or congress? Hmmm.

Wellpoint is the company that was Blue Cross of California before the health insurance industry was deregulated under the Reagan Administration. Since that time, Wellpoint has bought up many of the BCBS companies around the country, including BCBS of Georgia. Having worked at BCBSGA before and after it was acquired by Wellpoint, I can assure you that Wellpoint has played a huge role in our current healthcare crisis.

I believe that a large reason for the exodus has to be the recent Supreme Court ruling that opened the floodgates on corporate campaign contributions, just when the small donors were finally getting their voices heard. If I were an elected official not in lock step with entrenched corporate interests, I'd probably be heading for the exits as well.

The health care "crisis" has NOT been created by the insurance industry. Culpable-yes / crisis creators-no.

The crisis in health care has been created by the dysfunctional and wasteful health care delivery system that currently exists in combination with the increase in unhealthy Americans who do not take responsibility for their health, i.e. obesity, smoking, lack of exercise.

If the delivery system could control cost, the insurance industry could establish a stable and affordable premium structure to protect against unforeseen, catastrophic loss.

If you think heath care is expensive now, wait until it is free!

People cannot obtain or afford health insurance..........but it is not in any way the fault of the insurance companies?

<bullsheet>

People cannot obtain or afford health insurance..........but it is not in any way the fault of the insurance companies?

<bullsheet>

To provide "affordable" care, you need to heavily restrict the level of care people get under "affordable" plans. People in this country don't seem to like that, they want all you can eat coverage at an "affordable" price.

I think 10%+ of people's income ought to cover expenses. :roll:

I think 10%+ of people's income ought to cover expenses. :roll:

Depends, if you use more than you pay, then 10% is pretty reasonable. (independent of how much healthcare actually costs, which is a different matter entirely.) Most people are paying for their cost plus the cost of those that use more than they pay for. So 10%+ is what your coverage costs plus some percentage of the cost for other folks in your plan.

If we could bring the cost of actual care down, that would go a long way to reducing what you pay for your coverage and others.

My point was that the problem is not a lack of money flowing through these poor innocent insurance companies.

Totally agree we need to reduce costs - and I know that whether it's a single payer system, socialism, or the current private insurance companies I am currently paying other people's health care bills.

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) -- Just hours after rocking the political world with his surprise retirement announcement, Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind) said that he would undergo treatment for an "all-consuming addiction" to the popular Facebook game Farmville.
"I realized that I had to make a choice between being a United States senator and tending my imaginary farm," a tearful Mr. Bayh told reporters. "I had to look at myself in the mirror and acknowledge that I had a problem."
Majority Leader Harry Reid said that he was shocked by Sen. Bayh's admission, adding, "This is all the more surprising because he hails from a farm state, where there are plenty of actual farms he could take care of."
Elsewhere, a New York Times reporter accused of plagiarism commented on the scandal, calling it "the best of times and the worst of times." More here.

Oh, thank God! I thought the Facebook Mafia was after him.

Could someone point me in the direction of a website that shows the bonuses or programs that health insurance companies offer doctors, nurses, or any health care provider for reducing smoking and obesity rates?

The Speech

Indianapolis ? Senator Evan Bayh announced today he will not seek a third term to the United States Senate. At a news conference at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), he reflected on nearly a quarter-century of public service as Indiana?s Secretary of State, a two-term Governor, and a two-term United States Senator.
* * *
Thank you all for coming today. I know how busy you are, and I appreciate you taking the time to be with us. I would like to begin by acknowledging some people to whom I owe a great debt of gratitude.

First, my wife Susan, who for 25 years has stood by my side and without whose love and support so much I have been privileged to do would never have been possible. As my father told me the day we were married: ?Son, you definitely married up.?

Second, my wonderful children, Beau and Nick, who I love so much and of whom I am so proud. Being their father is the most important job I will ever have.

Next, my staff members?past and present?who have worked so hard and sacrificed so much for the people of our state. There is not one that couldn?t have made more money and worked fewer hours doing something else. They have always managed to make me look much better than I deserve.

Most importantly, the people of Indiana, who for almost a quarter century have placed their trust and welfare in my hands. No one could ask for a better boss or a greater honor.

I was raised in a family that believes public service is the highest calling in the church, that what matters is not what you take from life, but what you give back. I believe that still.

For almost all of my adult life, I have been privileged to serve the people of Indiana in elective office.

As Secretary of State, I worked to reform our election laws to ensure that every vote counts. I cast the deciding vote in the closest congressional race in the nation for a member of the other political party, because I believed he had legitimately won the election.

As Governor, I worked with an outstanding team to balance the budget, cut taxes, leave the largest surplus in state history, create the most new jobs in any eight-year period, increase funding for schools every year, make college more affordable, and reform welfare to empha work.

We raised water quality standards, created more new state parks than any time since the 1930s, and raised the penalties for violent crime.
In the Senate, I have continued to fight for the best interests of our state. I have worked with Hoosier workers and businesses, large and small, in the defense sector, the life sciences, the medical device industry, autos, steel, recreational vehicle manufacturing, and many, many more, to save and create jobs.

Since 9/11, I have fought to make our nation safe with a national security approach that is both tough and smart. I have championed the cause of our soldiers to make sure they have the equipment they need in battle and the health care they deserve when they get home.

I have often been a lonely voice for balancing the budget and restraining spending. I have worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike to do the nation?s business in a way that is civil and constructive.

I am fortunate to have good friends on both sides of the aisle, something that is much too rare in Washington today.
After all these years, my passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished, but my desire to do so by serving in Congress has waned. For some time, I have had a growing conviction that Congress is not operating as it should. There is too much partisanship and not enough progress -- too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problem-solving. Even at a time of enormous challenge, the peoples? business is not being 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 had endorsed the idea instead voted ?no? for short-term political reasons.

Just last week, a major piece of legislation to create jobs -- the public?s top priority -- fell apart amid complaints from both the left and 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 in words 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. I will not, therefore, be a candidate for election to the Senate this November.

My decision should not be interpreted for more than it is: a very difficult, deeply personal one. I am an executive at heart. I value my independence. I am not motivated by strident partisanship or ideology.

These traits may be useful in many walks of life, but they are not highly valued in Congress.

My decision should not reflect adversely upon my colleagues who continue to serve in the Senate. While the institution is in need of significant reform, there are many wonderful people there. The public would be surprised and pleased to know that those who serve them in the Senate, despite their policy and political differences, are unfailingly hard-working and devoted to the public good as they see it. I will miss them.

I particularly value my relationship with Senator Dick Lugar and have often felt that if all Senators could have the cooperative relationship we enjoy, the institution would be a better place.

My decision should not reflect adversely upon the President. I look forward to working with him during the next 11 months to get our deficit under control, get the economy moving again, regulate Wall Street to avoid future financial crises, and reform education so that all children can fulfill their God-given potential. This is the right agenda for America.

My decision was not motivated by political concern. Even in the current challenging environment, I am confident in my prospects for re-election. Five times over the last 24 years, I have been honored by the people of Indiana with electoral success. But running for the sake of winning an election, just to remain in public office, is not good enough. And it has never been what motivates me.

At this time, 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.

In closing, let me say this: Words cannot convey nor can I adequately express my gratitude to the great people of Indiana.

I will never forget those I have been privileged to serve and those who have so kindly supported me. I have always tried to remember that my job is to work for Hoosiers, not the other way around.

I am constantly reminded that if Washington, D.C., could be more like Indiana, Washington would be a better place.
Lastly, let me reiterate my deep and abiding love for our nation and my optimism for our future. These are difficult times for America. But we have seen difficult days before, and we will see better days again. With all our faults, we are an exceptional people.

I look forward to continuing to do my part to meet the challenges we face as a private citizen, to work for solutions not slogans, progress not politics, so that our generation can do what Americans have always done: convey to our children, and our children?s children, an America that is stronger, more prosperous, more decent, and more just.

Thank you again. May God bless you all.

People cannot obtain or afford health insurance..........but it is not in any way the fault of the insurance companies?

<bullsheet>

There is direct correlation between unaffordable premiums and the underlying cost of providing health care. With approximately eighty cents out of every dollar of premium paid to health care providers and twenty cents retained by the insurance companies for administrative expenses (and executive bonuses), what is the real driver of cost and subsequent unaffordable premiums? To lower the cost of health insurance, first and foremost, we need legislation that will reform the health care "delivery system". Passing health insurance reform is needed but it will not lower the cost of insurance until the dysfunction, waste and fraud embedded in the current health care delivery system is eliminated. Highly efficient health care delivery systems do exist n this country and are providing value and quality for the dollars invested. Unfortunately, these systems represent a small minority of the health care providers that receive eighty cents out of every health care dollar. Premiums will never be affordable when the underlying cost of health care is expensive, make sense?