1 This just makes him dangerous in the meanwhile . . .

2 Dammit, I'm in Lugar territory. My vote means nossink. Nossink!

3 Break out the pudding!

4 Wow, I live in Hoosier Hoserland and I did not see that coming.  Oh well, he's a Ken doll anyway

5 No way! Really?

6 Wow! 
Either his conscience woke up to the direction his party is going or he got some awful internal polling?

7 Good news for us in Indiana. I'm disappointed that Mike Pence has already said he won't run for the Senate seat. I like what I've seen from him.

8 So now some other Dem will lie and claim to be a "moderate" while running in this district. Fuck these arrogant assholes.

9 Waaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahaha.

Sorry, just wanted to get that out there in case some lib lurkers were around.

10 Hi Evan, I know I just ended your political career, but could you go ahead and support my agenda until you retire?

11 Hello, Jello Pudding Corporation?  Yes, I'd like to buy ten thousand shares.

12 I guess he doesn't have to worry about the consequences of any future votes now. I don't want to dip my balls in that senario.

13 10 Hi Evan, I know I just ended your political career, but could you go ahead and support my agenda until you retire?" I don't even think they care. He will continue to flip the bird to his constituents with his votes on the way out. Just like he did for the past year.

14 Rats.......Ship........Sinking Heh.

15

Unprecedented?

Actually that question mark is a moot point. This is unprecedented. This is a mini-Kennedy dynasty in Indiana.

16 Source? Please.

17 It's too bad, Bayh seemed like a decent guy and one of the few Dems I could live with running for President someday.  But supporting the Obama agenda and the health care power grab specifically was simply unforgivable.

18 Well, I didn't see that one coming.  Maybe he's thinking of running for governor.

19 Woooooooooooohoooooooooooooo! Great news this cold AM.

20 Here's a guy that could not support an Indiana native for Supreme Court even when his vote would not have mattered. What a turd

21 Source? Please. Broadcasting on Fox right now.

22 The great State of Kansas City will miss you, Evbert.

23

Was just on Fox. He'll have a 2pm press conference.

Go to indystar.com

24 If it wasn't for the chance of a loose cannon without any constraint, this would be all good news. I smell reconciliation. :-(

25

"He's got a $13 million warchest. "

He retires, he keeps it.  He looked into the future, saw the inflation bomb ticking, and decided he needed to start with a lot of principle.

26 THIS. IS. HUGE. FUCKING. NEWS.

Bayh was going to win reelection (unless there's a dead hooker/live boy story about to break that we know nothing about...).  Coats was the wrong guy to take on the incumbent -- would've come close but lost.  Now?  Shit, now it's just a question of who wins the GOP primary.  I'd actually prefer Hostettler myself, but he's not a great retail politician.

BUT HOLY SHIT NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN IT LOOKS REALISTIC TO TAKE THE SENATE.

I have no idea why Evan Bayh did this marvelous favor for us.  Perhaps he was just tired of being the ass-end of the Democratic Party?  But thank, Senator Bayh!

27

My guess: spite. Evan Bayh saw how Obama treated Blanche Lincoln.

She'd wanted Obama to be more centrist; Obama said he doesn't give a shit about centrists' concerns. In short, he threw her to the wolves.

Bayh's not a moonbat and my guess is he wants the Democrats to cut themselves loose from this disaster.

28

Maybe he's thinking of running for governor.

No way. Mitch Daniels is wildly popular.

29 I thought Bayh was a pretty good governor. Too bad he's become a total deushnozzle since he's been in the Senate. Of course, since he left the Governors Office, I joined the Navy, bought a house or two, paid more in taxes than I ever thought I'd make annually. Maybe he always was a deushnozzle and I just never realized until recently.

30 Well, I didn't see that one coming.  Maybe he's thinking of running for governor.


Daniels isn't up for re-election until 2012.  He won overwhelming re-election in an otherwise bad-for-the-GOP 2008.

31 I have only been watching politics since about 2007. Are Mid-terms always like this, with incumbents who should normally be safe choosing to not seek re-election, or is this unusual?
Both "Kennedy seats"
Biden's son
the CT senator, Dodd, I think
and now this guy.
 I'm probably forgetting one or two. I'm just curious if someone more experienced thinks this is abnormal or a regular "pendulum swing".

32 I'm disappointed that Mike Pence has already said he won't run for the Senate seat. I like what I've seen from him.

He'll make a great Speaker of the House.

33 I went to 3rd grade with this guy.  Did you guys know his dad was a congressman?  The are the Kennedy's of Hooiserville. Bye Bye Evan!

More pudding and popcorn!!!

34 Why would Bayh quit? He polls way ahead of his potential GOP challengers

You don't get to chair committees when your party is going to be out of power for the next 20 years (yes, I know, I'm talking about what the future must feel like to those Dem politicians who have a clue about how thoroughly they screwed the pooch this last year).

35 The Republicans just retook control of the Senate.

Unbelievable.

36 Looks like he didn't want to fuck with Coats, who was going to kick his ass!

That "condo" home wasn't doing him any good either!

37

Fox News and Hot Air say he's "retiring", but I'm glad you didn't use that word, Gabe.

I think we should refer to all the Democrats quitting this year as racist quitty mcquitters. They aren't supporting Obama, so they have to be racist, right?

38 The speculation on Fox News was that this is positioning for a 2012 Presidential run.

39

The *only* thing that comes to mind, which is trivial, is the piece HotAir had last week about his residence.

(There is no way a family of four would have fit into the shack they were supposedly living in).

But a sham residence aside, I can't think of anything personal that would have kept him down.

This is out of left field.

40 mene mene tekel upharsin

41 I think he sees a Pub takeover, doesn't like President Easy Bake, and wants to keep the $13 million.

42 The Schadenfreude is thick in this story.  The nutroots just spent months beating Bayh up because he wasn't fully on board with the Obumbles agenda - now he's basically returned the favor for their troubles.

Last poll I saw had him up 20 points over the GOP likely candidate - does Bayh know something that we don't???

43 The speculation on Fox News was that this is positioning for a 2012 Presidential run.

Good news for Valparaiso, Indiana.

44 Obama will DOUBLE DOWN now! Things are going to get very ugly.

45 BUT HOLY SHIT NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN IT LOOKS REALISTIC TO TAKE THE SENATE.

I might feel good about voting for Mark Kirk?  Unprecedented.

46 This could be bad - he will be able to vote for Obamacare without any consequences - or good - he will be able to vote against Obamacare without any consequences.  This could be scary.....

47 The other day Frugal Hoosiers had a story up about his 1000 sq. ft. "home" in Indiana vs. his McMansion in DC.  Not that this would be enough to drive the decision.

48 I have only been watching politics since about 2007. Are Mid-terms always like this, with incumbents who should normally be safe choosing to not seek re-election, or is this unusual?


Yeah, this is pretty unusual.  It is normal to have a few members decide not to run because the polls look bad for them; this year is a tsunami by comparison.  Closest comparison was 1994-95 when the GOP took Congress and then Ben Nighthorse Campbell decided not to be a DemonRat anymore.

49

He's going for money no doubt - going to be Executive Director of some non-profit at a six figure salary, or president of some university or another. 

 

50 "Good news for Valparaiso, Indiana." LOL. Wabash Valley Farms is better poppin'

51 He's probably just tired. Wants to retire.

52 Popcorn-flavored pudding?

53 So now it's time to leave and make it alone
I know that I can't take no more
It ain't no lie
I wanna see you out that door
Baby, bayh, bayh, bayh...

54 The speculation on Fox News was that this is positioning for a 2012 Presidential run.

If he starts ripping the Obama agenda a new one on the Senate floor, then we'll know that's the case.  I still think that he decided this is going to be a very bad year for incumbent Dems.

55 The next question, does this mean Bayh continue to vote his natural lefty instincts and says fuck you guys and votes against Obamacare? 

What does he have to gain by not sucking Harry's dick?

He'll vote for it.

56 I smell reconciliation. :-(

Posted by: Vet Missing Parts at February 15, 2010 10:50 AM (MCHyX)

Whatever Congress does, the next Congress can undo.  And seeing as how the taxes start right away, but the bennies don't start til 2014, it would be crying out for repeal.

57 I'm disappointed that Mike Pence has already said he won't run for the Senate seat. I like what I've seen from him. He'll make a great Speaker of the House. I like the sound of that.

58 I might feel good about voting for Mark Kirk?  Unprecedented.

See, this is how you know the bandwagon is really beginning to start rollin' along.

59

2012 is interesting...

Maybe he's trying to pull a Palin and hit the press junkets. His biggest problem when he formed his exploratory committee was that he had zero name recognition outside of the state and for those who weren't political wonks.

60 "Good news for Valparaiso, Indiana."

I prefer popcorn from Iowa.

61
Bayh-bayh.

62 Hatchet Five at February 15, 2010 10:56 AM (DTffv)

Thanks for the input. It certainly feels weird to me, but I didn't want to be overly optimistic. Great news.

63

From Major Garrett's Twitter feed:

Here is summary of Bayh polling. Cleary, they read deeper trouble in these numbers. http://tinyurl.com/yb3tfbv

 

 

64 How about a run for POTUS?  Overall, I'd say that this was a move to keep his options open for the future.  He's politically dead if he runs and loses.  If he takes the gentleman's way out and walks, then he's able to distance himself from Obama and the Dem train wreck all the while keeping his war chest intact.  While this was certainly unexpected, it's not illogical.  Good news though. 

65 Bye, Bayh...

66 Popcorn-flavored pudding?

Posted by: eman at February 15, 2010 10:58 AM (4tixt)

Just FYI, if anyone needs a job, we're hiring.

67 na na na naaaa, hey hey, heeeey, good bayh.

68 Maybe he will flip to Pub this afternoon.

69

Popcorn-flavored pudding?

Nut flavored popcorn?

70 53 I hope you're a chick because if not, you have no business knowing those lyrics

71 last one out remember to turn off the lights...

72 So many quitters, and the job unfinished, etc, etc. Yawn.

73 63  Yeah, those aren't fatal poll numbers (like Reid has) but not encouraging either.  Kos, we've seen, dramatically overstates support for Dems, and I'm sure Bayh and his people know that.  Things are likely to only get worse for incumbent Dems this year.

74 Heh.  And second the request for flaming skull.

75 He saw the writing on his hand.

76

I hope we see him slam Wee Wee at 2pm.

After Brown, he said if the Dems didn't heed his victory as a warming sign, then they would never "get it".

77 Whoa.  That is awesome news.

Do you know what this means?  There is actually now a nontrivial chance that Republicans take the Senate.

Whoa.

78 Flaming pudding.

79 Maybe he will flip to Pub this afternoon. That would be funny to be sure....but no thanks. The GOP is already over-endowed with traitors and finger-in-the-air douchebags.

80 uh, wow, btw, hotair mentioning that the last minute drop out has left the democratic party with FOUR DAYS to find a replacement.

superb.

81 Flaming Skull

82 The comments at Kos are AWESOME.

There all like, 'great, finally got rid of that DINO'.

Whistle past the graveyard much guys?

83

I hope we see him slam Wee Wee at 2pm.

After Brown, he said if the Dems didn't heed his victory as a warming sign, then they would never "get it".

Posted by: laceyunderalls at February 15, 2010 11:06 AM (CdyNi)

Oh please oh please oh please oh please! 

84 Chris Matthews has locked himself in the MSNBC ladies room.

85 I just can't see him making a primary challenge to Obama.

86 I hope you're a chick because if not, you have no business knowing those lyrics

Posted by: laceyunderalls at February 15, 2010 11:03 AM (CdyNi)

INCOMING!!!  Everybody, TAKE COVER!!!

87

He's just doing this so he can vote freely without worrying about what his constituents think. I bet he has a cushy administration job lined up in return for his votes.

88 80 uh, wow, btw, hotair mentioning that the last minute drop out has left the democratic party with FOUR DAYS to find a replacement.

Meh - the Dems will just change the rules at the last minute (a la New Jersey)

89
Now,  will he challenge Obama for prez?  I'm sure he sees the dems moving away from their blue collar roots and into a far left dead-end.  Maybe Hillary already tapped him for the VP slot.

90 uh, wow, btw, hotair mentioning that the last minute drop out has left the democratic party with FOUR DAYS to find a replacement.

superb.

Posted by: LikeATimeBomb at February 15, 2010 11:06 AM (d50Il)

Now whyinhell would he do that?  Live boy or a dead girl?

91 Maybe this isn't related to a definite Presidential run in 2012, but a more general concern that he'll get Obama stink on him in Indiana. 

92 Oh Dip!

93 From DKos -- Update: And it gets even better. Hotline reminds us that the deadline for filing in the race is Feb. 19--yes, this Friday.

94 WTF is wrong with Drudge? Doesn't he supposedly pull in a few mil a year, enough so he could hire a Filipino house boy to mash on a keyboard and update his site once in a while?

95

Isn't Bayh a staunch ally of Hillary?

Hillary will be next.

 

96 Naww it's real obvious what he's doing.  He's a moderate Dem from a red state (that only barely, barely went blue in the 2008 wave election).  He's following in the footsteps of Bob Kerrey from Nebraska, Al Gore from Tennessee, Tom Daschle from South Dakota, Dems from red states who realize they can make more money hitting the academia/non-profit circuit than having to face bruising, tough election fights every 6 years.  I predict he will become president of some wanker liberal arts college.

97 BOOSH!!!  (And or Ka-KOW!)

98 This is like a half court shot at the buzzer to win kinda good.
If you are worried he will go all in on votes now that there's no consequences ..... How the hell would you know the difference?

I wish I hadn't deleted the email he sent out on Christmas Eve bragging about how fucking proud he was to have voted for Reid & Obama's health care bill.

I don't like Coats and neither do the Tea Party folks in Indiana. This is gonna be fun to watch now.

99 Exciting as this is, the scalp I really want is Feingold.

100 The speculation on Fox News was that this is positioning for a 2012 Presidential run.

This could be good for our side.  Surely, he knows which way the wind is blowing.  If he wants to stand a chance of winning, he will have to find a way to block Obama's legislation while looking like he's in favor of it.

101 Four days, chumps.

102 Dip...Dip....Dip!

103

Dear Baron Hill,

Consider yourself warned.

Love, EB

104 90, probably both?

105 Exclusive: A U.S. Intelligence Breakthrough in the Persian Gulf? http://tinyurl.com/ykz28pr

106 In a related note, Indiana's filing deadline for federal elections is tomorrow, so I am not so sure how Indiana's Dems will be able to field a candidate.

107

I had a great deal of respect for Evan Byah. But I could not forgive him for his vote for DeathCare. I as a lifelong democrat could not forgive this democrat Evan Byah for that disgusting vote. And I was planning to fundraise for any tea party/republican/conservative that would have run against Evan Byah.

I just hope this does not mean that the Apologizer-in-Chief will cram down that DeathCare bill thru reconciliation. That essentially will destroy the now-marxist-socialist party aka Democrat's Party. 

And as an recovering lifelong democrat, now Independent, I have no issue with that.  No more socialist marxist crap! Restore this country back to its founding principles!

108

Evan had already served 2 terms as Gov. of Indiana and couldn't run for that office again if he wanted. He pretty much sucked at it, as he had the Democratic Majority Leader in the Indiana State House calling the shots on the budget. When Bayh retired as Gov. his partner in crime O'Bannon took over but he was totally unable to contain the economic nightmare they had crafted. They left Indiana so deeply in debt that when Mitch Daniels first ran for the office of Governor, the press actively joked that whoever won the election would actually loose, because their first responsibility would be to make a ton of deficit cuts in all the leftover programs in order to come close to a balanced budget. Mitch Daniels handled that magnificently and has balanced our budget well ever since.

Evan Bayh is an empty suit with a face the Dems have used as front man for the worst of their policies for years. He was raised by his daddy, Birch Bayh, as a member of the Democratic Party Machine. Outside Chicago or the Clinton Family, it doesn't get any dirtier....

109 Exciting as this is, the scalp I really want is Feingold.

Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 15, 2010 11:11 AM (mR7mk)

There go those high standards again.

110

From DKos -- Update: And it gets even better. Hotline reminds us that the deadline for filing in the race is Feb. 19--yes, this Friday.

Posted by: Jean at February 15, 2010 11:10 AM (tJF9l)

Beautiful!

111 Sing with me:
Dipity do dah, dipide ya
My oh my what a wonderful day
Libs are all falling along the way
Ditpty do dah dipide ya!

112 Evan Bayh, Secretary of State, 2011. 

113
Of course Bayh is considering running for president.

114 Why is New York "staying blue?"

Isn't all the buzz that the well-funded, well-known and widely respected owner of the daily news thinking about running as a republican?

115 Golly!

116

WTF is wrong with Drudge? Doesn't he supposedly pull in a few mil a year, enough so he could hire a Filipino house boy to mash on a keyboard and update his site once in a while?

yeah, his site has been suffering from lack of Breitbart for over a year now. It's become pretty clear who was the driving force behind Drudgereport. He's slow to the breaking news these days.

I kind with Evan Bayh had won the 2008 Dem primaries. It would have essentially been McCain versus his democratic doppelganger.

117 I know it's been said up-thread, but......

buh-Bayh.

118 "i'm not your buddy, bayh."

"i'm not your bayh, friend."

119 Via Geraghty, there's already a woman running for Senate in Indiana. 

Her platform seems to be "I don't have health insurance, and the Senate health plan is awesome."

120 Don't you have to collect a bunch of signatures to get your name on a ballot?  Or is it up to the Indiana Dem party to give someone permission to run in their primary?

121 It doesn't matter if he goes all in on dem proposals he was already there.  We can only profit and not lose, if he decides to oppose all that crap.

122 Can't he keep some of that money? With the Bush era tax cuts about to expire, now might be the best time to take the money and run home with it.

No. Current election law requires that his campaign collections either be put to use in his own campaign or given to campaigns of his choosing or recycled into a PAC. If he doesn't do one of those things, that money goes to the Treasury.

123 The comments at Kos are AWESOME.

There all like, 'great, finally got rid of that DINO'.

Whistle past the graveyard much guys?

Posted by: DrewM. at February 15, 2010 11:07 AM (9B5OK)

Just when I think I'm too rough on underestimating them....

124

More from Geraghty:

"Sure, no one's heard of that art cafe owner, but this means the Democrats can't just appoint a candidate. Democracy at work!"

125

"Her platform seems to be "I don't have health insurance, and the Senate health plan is awesome.""

oh please, let this woman be the dem. nominee... please.....

126

89

I think that a primary challenge for Obama is becoming more and more likely.  Now, they probably won't win, but the Clinton's have very long memories and are patient as well as ruthless.  I'd say that they know that Obama's name will be mud come 2012 and that his reelection will be far from a sure thing. 

 

127 Most of them keep that campaign cash in an external, not-for-profit organization.

128 This is great news. 

Can we get rid of Rep. Andre Carson too?  He only got in because his granny used to hold that seat, and he's a shoo-in since his district is Indianapolis.  I'm freakin' tired of him, and the fact that I'm in his district means my vote means close to nil. 

129 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu1q17rUkVU

Just a suggestion.  This, or a flaming skull, or something.

130

More from Geraghty:

"Minute correction: As of 3 days ago, Democrat Tamyra d'Ippolito was 1,000 signatures way from qualifying for the ballot."

131

Hey, in defense of Drudge, he does have a super homoerotic pic of JohnnyWeir front and center..............

132

Apocalyptic.  News like this gives credence to the theory the world will be destroyed in 1994.  Only Thundarr the Barbarian will restore balance!

Nah, I think Biden's gets toppled.  My sources in DC tell me that Biden attempted a coup while the President was wintered in.  He'll be exiled to Chad.

133

Bayh, Bayh, Sen Lameduck Even Bayh

Scott Brown drove the Chevy to the levy leaving Dems high and dry

And the gool ol' teabaggers are drinking Lipton and rye.

Singing this will be the day that Dems die, this will be the day that Dems die.....

134 I think that a primary challenge for Obama is becoming more and more likely.

The convention would be Jonestown II

135 Oop, now Geraghty reports she doesn't have enough signatures to get on the ballot.  Apparently you have to actually go out and ask people to endorse you.  That's so unfair to people with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Disorder.

136 hmm, Tamyra d'Ippolito
her qualifications appear to be, she runs an artsy cafe, she travels a lot, she's a cancer survivor and she was the campaign manager for a failed campaign

heck, I think even Matt Drudge's Filipino house boy could win this seat against her

137

Arkansas is NOT a toss-up. It's more likely Blanche Lincoln will retire.

And much as I don't like Kirk, even Alan Keyes might be able to beat a mobster with a Greek last name this year. Illinois is going Red too.

138 Gosh darn it!

139 heck, I think even Matt Drudge's Filipino house boy could win this seat against her

Posted by: chemjeff at February 15, 2010 11:22 AM (Gk/wA)

Is Gleen's too busy or something?

140

Giannoulias will get Cohened/Ryaned out of the Illinois race.  Jesse Jackson Jr will be waiting in the wings. 

141 Hotair is reporting that National Journal has changed their info on the filing deadline... it's not Friday, it's Tuesday.

The Dems are rumored to be pushing Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) of District 8 to run in this race, so an announcement will likely be made today or tomorrow.

142 "So, will Republicans retake the Senate? Um, NO" Ya gotta believe, Gabe.

143

Arkansas is NOT a toss-up. It's more likely Blanche Lincoln will retire.

Posted by: Zimriel at February 15, 2010 11:22 AM (9Sbz+)

Yeah, and even if she doesn't, the toothless hilljacks are restless.

144 But in his statement, Bayh cited recent stalemates in Congress.

“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,” he said. “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."

Dude is taking a page from the Palin playbook.  And didn't Dingy Harry torpedo the jobs bill?  Meh, he doesn't let the facts get in the way. 

“But running for the sake of winning an election, just to remain in public office, is not good enough,” Bayh said. “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.”

He's gonna run a business.  Yeah, right.  Good luck with that skippy.

145

No way MO goes blue this cycle.

 

Also, I have read somewhere that a lot of Congressional Dems believe Obama wants to get creamed this year, so that he can run against a GOP congress like Bubba did in 1995-6. If that is true, maybe people like Bayh, who would have won easily, just want to f*ck with Obama a bit.

146 "144 Hotair is reporting that National Journal has changed their info on the filing deadline... it's not Friday, it's Tuesday." Man, this is fun!

147 "Sure, no one's heard of that art cafe owner, but this means the Democrats can't just appoint a candidate. Democracy at work!"

Gerahty underestimates the Dems.  If she gets enough signatures, I can see them "convincing" her that she really didn't want to run and backing out at the last minute.  Then, they just need a judge to say that democracy demands that the voters have a choice and we have Lautenberg all over again.

148

40 mene mene tekel upharsin

My conversion from Aramaic (I think) to English:

In the end, there will be only chaos.

Seriously, is there a large comet coming too?  I think some resignation like this occured first in the movie Deep Impact?  Does Bayh have an ELE reason for resigning?

149

"Gleen" doesn't have to take this crap from you, you torturer. His blog is one of the best blogs on the Internet. You must not be aware that it has been quoted on the Senate floor. He's also written several books.

Good day to you, sir!

150 Bayh was my pick for HRC Veep, he was also vetted for Obama Veep

IMO Obama is telling them behind the scenes he is pushing forward with his plans on every level, executive orders, carbon limits from EPA, reconciliation on healthcare, all of it..thus moserates are getting out while they can....

151

136 I think that a primary challenge for Obama is becoming more and more likely.

The convention would be Jonestown II

Um, these people have already drunk the Koolaid.

This would be Chicago 1968 all over again.

Hey, this is good popcorn. Anyone got any... pudding?

152

Ron Artest--imagine what he'd do to the Michigan delegation. 

153 So, will Republicans retake the Senate? Um, NO.

Yeah, you're right.  That would be like a Republican winning in Massachusetts.  Unheard of!

154 Well we've already farked the nation enough during our tenure, and the anti-Obama, anti-Democrat, and anti-incumbent sentiments are so strong that we don't want a public flogging on our records; therefore, we've decided that the best calculus is to bail just before the shit hits the fan, to not face the music, and to hope for better days when we can run again with an "unblemished" record and without having to make all the difficult, small government decisions we should have been making.

So we bid you adieu for the time being, record intact and money bags in tow. We'll be back to raid you again in some other capacity.

155 really? the deadline for filing is tommorow?  well good for evan byah for kicking the Messaih on his way out.  I remember in the dem primaries, the Marxist was a complete jackass to Evan Byah.

156 Oop, now Geraghty reports she doesn't have enough signatures to get on the ballot.  Apparently you have to actually go out and ask people to endorse you.  That's so unfair to people with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Disorder.

Well, this ought to give her a little motivation.

157 If he is seriously contemplating a presidential run, I don't see him voting in favor of Obamacare in any way, shape or form.  No one outside of the loony states will want that fiasco associated with them.  Most of the Dems have been looking for a way out of the corner into which they've painted themselves. 

158 Oh, also, don't forget that back in 2006, not even Dems were predicting that they were going to take the Senate.  They didn't think they'd really win in MT and VA.  And yet...

159

So, will Republicans retake the Senate? Um, NO. You're telling me they're gonna sweep all those states and lose none? I got a bridge I'd like to sell ya.

I'd say that's highly unlikely too.  But I hope keeping it close to even in the Senate does derail the Obama plan until the 2012 elections.

Unless they are cancelled, due to extreme chaos.

160 149, to be clear, tuesday as in tomorrow.

161 162 Chaos can't take a break for one day?

162 Unless they are canceled, due to extreme chaos.

That's why we're here.

163 So, will Republicans retake the Senate? Um, NO. You're telling me they're gonna sweep all those states and lose none? I got a bridge I'd like to sell ya.

Baby steps.

164

Kratos, have I ever mentioned I love your dedication to the chaos thing?

165 Fucking Giuliani could have rolled Gillibrand easily. Thanks, asshole.

166

More marginal Senate candidates will be up in 2012:

- Hairy Tester in MT

- Upturned Boy Webb in VA

- Cro-Magnon Casey in PA

167 You're telling me they're gonna sweep all those states and lose none?

The year is young.

168 Is Rush in today? If so, he has plenty to work with.

169 It sounds like this woman needs some help getting the rest of her 1000 signatures today.  That sounds doable.

170 http://tinyurl.com/y9t7nbl

Trying to recall Menendez (NJ).  Free speech versus constitutionality.

171 I think that a primary challenge for Obama is becoming more and more likely.

Oh come on.  There are very few Democrats who are racist enough to run against Obama.  And Byrd is too old.

But there's still Hillary.  Probably shouldn't count out Hillary.

172 Republicans have to defend New Hampshire, Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri.

Republicans lead, rather comfortably, in ALL of these defensive races.

Republicans lead HANDILY in:
Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Delaware, North Dakota, and Nevada.

by 5 pts in Colorado
by a small margin in Illinois.

We will likely pickup R+6 Indiana.

That puts us at 8 LIKELY seats.

We need New York, Wisconsin, Washington, California- just 2 of these.

Someone call Pataki, Thompson, and Rossi, and break the kneecaps already of 2 of the Goppers in the Cali race to get things finished off.

173

Fox News and Hot Air say he's "retiring", but I'm glad you didn't use that word, Gabe.

I think we should refer to all the Democrats quitting this year as racist quitty mcquitters.

Democrats retire; Palin quits. It's a MSM rule.

174
don't forget CT

175 Just remember, Kennedy ran against Carter in '80, so I see Hillary and others running likely.

176 Besides those races that Gabe/Mallamutt mention, there's also the races in WI, CT and WA.  Sure the odds are a bit longer for those but they are all going to be competitive, stretching the DNC's resources.

177 Three other outside possibilities for Republican gains are Feingold in WI, Murray in WA and the other NY seat, depending on who decides to challenge Chucky.

Florida's a guaranteed hold; if I were worrying about Republican seats, I'd worry most about Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and Arizona (yeah, even with McCain....)  North Carolina and Iowa could also contain bad surprises for Republicans, depending on how strong anti-incumbent sentiment gets.  Chuck Grassley, after all, represents pretty much everything that's wrong with the Republican Party.

178 and Malor, sell me that bridge. In a tidal wave election cycle like we are seeing we will lose MAYBE the outright house seat in Delaware, Kirks old seat in Illinois (House Seat), and Cao's seat in the House.
We will very, very likely win the House, and come within a seat or 2 of the senate, if not take it outright.

179 #181
Missouri went McCain even when Indiana went Obama.

Convince them to give Obama another senator. I dare you.
Same for Kentucky and Arizona.

Grassley is going nowhere- he is polling very favorably and the anti incumbent bullshit is a myth- its anti-Obama.

180

167 Kratos, have I ever mentioned I love your dedication to the chaos thing?

When one lives a life as pathetic as mine, they need something, regardless how small, to hang on to.  It prevents me from doing something dramatic like going out in the street at midnight near lacey's place without any neck armor or silver crosses.

181

Kratos, have I ever mentioned I love your dedication to the chaos thing?

Sucking up to chaos?

 

Hmm, actually that's not a bad idea these days.

Yea Kratos!

182 So, will Republicans retake the Senate? Um, NO. You're telling me they're gonna sweep all those states and lose none? I got a bridge I'd like to sell ya.

Spoken like a true under-achiever.  It's admittedly a difficult goal.  Written in stone it's not, though, and aiming low is a sure way to miss the mark.

183

So Bayh's gotta know the filing deadline is tomorrow.

Why did he wait til today to quit??

184

164 Chaos can't take a break for one day?

Chaos moves at it's own pace.  Don't shoot (or drain the blood out of) the messenger.

185 I agree, the 2012 elections are going to be more vulnerable for Dems because they will have more seats to defend.  MT, FL, NE (Ben Nelson!), MO, NJ, NM (possibly), ND, OH, VA - and WV, as Sheets Byrd will be up for election, and, um, he's not gonna make it

186

Webb isn't up until 2014, I think. But there's still a lot vulnerable in 2012.

Tactically, it may be much better for the GOP to take the House but only come close to taking the Senate.   Split control will stop the bad stuff from happening but keep Obama from claiming that everything is the Republican Congress's fault.   Also, pressure needs to be kept up on the Senate Dems who are up in 2012, if they are out of power they will be able to skate and say "don't blame us."

I officially declare - I wish for the GOP to take the House, but only take 8 seats in the Senate. 

187

"So Bayh's gotta know the filing deadline is tomorrow.

Why did he wait til today to quit??"

 

I think that's called shankin' the Party.  Can't imagine that the dem's will be too happy about it.

188

But supporting the Obama agenda and the health care power grab specifically was simply unforgivable.

My sentiments exactlty. It wouldn't have made any difference if he'd been a Republican orLibertarian.

189 Zimriel is right. Blanche Lincoln will be slaughtered, and, unless he implodes, Kirk will win here in Illinois. I would add Pennsylvania, where SPECTRE will be SMERSHED! I really don't know New Hampshire at all anymore, but my sense is a fiscal conservative, social moderate could win this year. Also, keep in mind not all of these races are independent from a probability standpoint. There is a decent chance of a cascading effect if things keep going the way the are. I certainly would not write off California yet, nor Washington state or Connecticut. Open seats, in particular, are ripe wherever they occur; next to scandals, openings are the No. 1 reason for turnover. Will we take back the Senate? Very doubtful. But we should pick up at least six or seven seats. With Ben Nelson, Baucus, and other blue squatters in red states like Mary Landrieu, up in 2012, we could have a 1994 and 1980 rolled into one.

190 WE CAN DO IT!

191 I officially declare - I wish for the GOP to take the House, but only take 8 seats in the Senate.

The Republicans can take NINE in the Senate and still be in the minority thanks to Sheriff Joe acting as the tiebreaker.

192 #190 that seems the likeliest scenerio, GOP+8 in the Senate, GOP+50 in the House.

193 Gabriel -

We don't need to get to 51 seats to retake the Senate.  Only 50, because Lieberman will switch to caucus with the GOP if that happens.  I agree that we won't take New York, but I think CA is possible, and that's the only tough one, I think, now that Bayh is out.

194 Mary Landrieu, up in 2012,

Landrieu is up in 2014.  She got re-elected in 2008.

195

Webb isn't up until 2014, I think. But there's still a lot vulnerable in 2012.

 

nope, you are thinking of "moderate" Mark Warner who is up in 2014, Jim Webb, an ex-republican,  is up in 2012

196 I'm talking to a lot of pissed off people here in Commiefornia. We just might be able to get rid of that old bar-towel Boxer. If people get off their asses and vote.

I am seriously working to get rid of Squirmin Brad Sherman here in the Valley.

If Nancy Pelosi ever comes to a sudden stop, Brad Sherman's head will become her new Adam's apple.

197

I think that's called shankin' the Party.  Can't imagine that the dem's will be too happy about it.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2010 11:42 AM (T1boi)

Yeah it's hard to believe he just woke up this morning and said "Damn I'm sick of being a Senator. I wanna be a goat farmer instead. Or a community organizer."

198 86 I hope you're a chick because if not, you have no business knowing those lyrics

Posted by: laceyunderalls at February 15, 2010 11:03 AM (CdyNi)

INCOMING!!!  Everybody, TAKE COVER!!!

Posted by: FUBAR at February 15, 2010 11:08 AM (1fanL)

 

Abandon all hope. There is no place of refuge from a vindictive woman.

199 Anyone that thinks some pesky filing deadline means anything to the Dems just isn't paying attention.  They'll field whatever candidate they think has the best shot at winning.  Period.

200 PPP is starting to think the unthinkable:

http://tinyurl.com/y9mrosm

201

Maybe he's trying to pull a Palin and hit the press junkets. His biggest problem when he formed his exploratory committee was that he had zero name recognition outside of the state and for those who weren't political wonks.

He has 9 months, basically, to reassert his credentials as a "moderate".  If he's running for president in 2012, that is what he has to do.

202  BTW, all that "is it Friday? is it Tuesday?" deadline stuff? I picked up the phone and called the IN Secretary of State's office. Duurr.

203 The Republicans just retook control of the Senate. Unbelievable. I want to believe. I want to. Convince me. If I see a shitstain on the back of Reid's pants, I'm halfway there.

204

I say AR and PA are going RED

Add Ind to that now for a pickup of 6 in the Senate. I still say about 50 in the house.

 

205 I say AR and PA are going RED

Someone said earlier, and I repeat, Arkansas is not a toss-up.  It's not even close.  Lincoln trails five different Republicans and the closest margin is 14.

We'uns are fed up with Lincoln pissin' on our heads an' tellin' us it's rainin'.

206

My opinion -- since dems only campaign against something. Conservatives need to gain just enough to block any marxist anti-growth anti-free market crap, but let the dems still officially control both houses.

So, the marxist/socialists are "in charge", but politically neutered.

207

 I picked up the phone and called the IN Secretary of State's office.

What, instead of debating and quoting other blogs for hours?

Spoilsport.

 

208 North Dakota, Delaware, and now probably Indiana are all LOCKED.

Nevada, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania aren't even close, so thats 47 GOP-53 DEM

Colorado looks increasingly red UNLESS Bennett drops out.
Illinois looks increasingly red UNLESS Kirk fucks up big time a la US Sen Ill 2004.

Thats 49 GOP 51 DEM.

I can live with that.

209 The main reason I want a GOP senate is to prevent hardcore "living, breathing, metabolizing Constitution" types from being confirmed to the SC.  But if history is any guide, a GOP senate probably won't stop them anyway.  Otherwise, a GOP house and a Dem Senate = utter gridlock.  Fine by me.

210 FYI: In 1992 Evan Bayh won a second term as Indiana Governor with the largest electoral victory in the state's history.

This is a huge retirement.  This guy was going to be Obama's Veep just to carry Indiana in '08.

The Democrats are toast.

211 No. Current election law requires that his campaign collections either be put to use in his own campaign or given to campaigns of his choosing or recycled into a PAC


So he sets up a PAC and pays himself a nice salary to "administer" it.  no biggie.

212

I'm sensing a rat -- all these Dems bow out (or appear to be); they aren't tied to the consequences of their votes anymore and they drop off the radar, and this opens the door for a run by another Dem who isn't tainted by this administration.  In the meantime whoever the Repubs or Libertarians run will get royally smeared (and saddled with whatever the original Dem votes in), then the Dem who runs as the outsider is in and sooner or later the original Dem steps back in and runs for another seat. (and quite possibly bam-bam gets another term -- so an appointment to something for taking one for the team)...and we think this is the perfect storm?  Wouldn't that be a hundred times worse?

 

These fat fraks are up to something; they aren't in retreat.

213 Otherwise, a GOP house and a Dem Senate = utter gridlock.  Fine by me.

Posted by: pep at February 15, 2010 11:56 AM (0K3p3)

Mmmm, gridlock.  Gridlock is underrated.  Gridlock is patriotic.  Gridlock is the new bipartisanship.

214 Hillary had a strong campaign going but lost to DUUH WON. Now she has State Dep. cred.s to add to her resume'.  But are the people smart enough to figure out she's just another socialist in disguise?

215 #190 that seems the likeliest scenerio, GOP+8 in the Senate, GOP+50 in the House.

As I've noted before, to wrest control of the House but not the Senate would be unprecedented, literally.  Admittedly though, a trend is a trend until it's not.

216 But if history is any guide, a GOP senate probably won't stop them anyway.


We can't be actin' all partisan and stuff.

217 WTFCI at February 15, 2010 11:56 AM (EbpbH)

wow.
My guess is, some sort of scandal, or he actually has "principles".

218 So he sets up a PAC and pays himself a nice salary to "administer" it.  no biggie.

Posted by: Hatchet Five at February 15, 2010 11:57 AM (DTffv)

I think you're missing the big picture.  If the choice is between him retiring and keeping the money, or not retiring and following the law to the letter, I say bribe the sumbitch.  If we could get all of 'em to retire for $13 mil each, count me in.

219 #220
Grow some nads, Mitch

220 85 I just can't see him making a primary challenge to Obama.

Posted by: Guy Fawkes at February 15, 2010 11:07 AM (cpuvG)

I know, right?  That's just crazy to challenge a sitting president.

221 Bayh is angling to replace Biden. Expect Obama to name him as a Cabinet replacement first.

222 Oh, and 4500 signatures by Friday is nothing if you have a few good foot soldiers.  Wouldn't even need to go outside downtown Indianapolis for them.

223 So he sets up a PAC and pays himself a nice salary to "administer" it.  no biggie.
Posted by: Hatchet Five at February 15, 2010 11:57 AM (DTffv)

And consider whose money it is.  Buncha Indiana Democrats.  I'm strangely unaffected by their plight.

224 I say AR and PA are going RED

People here in AR are realizing that it is stupid to constantly vote for a party that believes that exact fucking opposite of the way they do.

225 @225
Interesting.   Any data to back that up, or just speculation at this point?

226 148 - eddiebear, you don't really buy that do you? Know the man...know his plan. This is one case where the past is a great indicator for the future.

227 I think you're missing the big picture.  If the choice is between him retiring and keeping the money, or not retiring and following the law to the letter, I say bribe the sumbitch.  If we could get all of 'em to retire for $13 mil each, count me in.


My post was in response to any thinking that there was no way he could hang on to the $13 million.  He'll find a way, I'm sure.  I just hope Harry Reid hangs around to take his much-deserved whipping like a man.

228 226 Oh, and 4500 signatures by Friday is nothing if you have a few good foot soldiers.  Wouldn't even need to go outside downtown Indianapolis for them.

It's 500 signatures *per House district*, so they can't just do it in Indy.

If the Republicans want to have some revenge, Chicago-style, they could have lawyers sit in on the registration process and challenge signatures on the petitions until the candidate was DQed.  If they get called on it, they can bring up The One's past of doing exactly that.

229

Hoosierland is just a hop, skip, and jump away from me...the Bayh family is indeed their version of the Kennedys...and I can't see them just stepping out of politics because they were tired of it..  Those Bayh's have a pretty high opinion of themselves, and they play pretty dirty underneath their wholesome image.  Something's up imho.

230 I'd be in favor of repealing the current law on unspent campaign funds.  Let the politician keep the money.  Any incentive against incumbency is a good thing IMO.

231 Evan Bayh wants money.  There's only so much to be made as a losing Senate candidate.  Retiring with his warchest is rather interesting.  Is he just going to sprinkle that candy around?  It's almost 14 mil for a state that isn't nearly as expensive for a Senate race as a place like CA or NY or IL.

Just trying to think of issues that may arise to help the Democrats I cannot think of very many.

Obama's best friends at Government Sachs have manufactured financing deals in Europe that are going to sink Greece.  It's bad.

Government Sachs might turn European statists assholes into Tea Baggers.

Taste it Anderson.  Love it.  All 360 degrees of sweaty, hairy, unkempt European balls.

232 dammit.  I should read the previous comments.

233 When do you wingers think I should make my move?

234 Unknown Jane-- Sen. Bayh, I would like you to give up your cushy membership in the "world's most exclusive club." Your staff of 100 will find jobs with other members, I am sure. You will retire to a nice benefits package. And before you leave, we need you to ensure that the voters back home will spit and swear your name every time they open their letter from the National Health Care Service. What do you say, Senator? You up for it? This ain't a conspiracy. It's what happens when incumbents think they will lose. Why did Denny Hastert quit?

235 You know what Indiana needs right now.  Another Obama speech at Notre Dame.

May I suggest business ethics as a topic.

236 So there is still time for Buyer or Pence to jump in and challenge Coats?

237

Replacing Biden...whaaaaaa?

Of all the blue dogs he's been the most vocal as of late about the excessiveness of his parties. Wee Wee couldn't have a dissenter in the ranks.

238 It's official, the MA runoff election that elected Brown has scared the non-leftard Democrats into wearing their brown pants. Looks like a lot of Democrats from red/purple states are gonna bow out before they get crushed. The tougher obaka talks about passing the agenda, the worse it is likely to get from frustrated voters. #190: I won't say the GOP will take 8 seats, of keep all the ones up for grabs, but at this point any positivie gain they make will sink Obaka's hopes for filibuster-breaking legislative rampages. I'm looking forward to the House gains more myself, since I am a Boehner supporter from his home district here. GOP gains there will make it harder for The Wicked Witch of the West Coast and her buddies to spend all the money before it gets printed. I'd like nothing better on the first/second Wednesday of this November to hear "Speaker of the house Boehner", but right now any halt on the Leftard landslide is appreciated.

239

DISCLAIMER:  THIS IS PURELY ACTUARIAL.  I WISH THE PRESIDENT A LONG AND HEALTHY LIFE. 

Anyone aiming to bolster Obama's 2012 chances (no, I don't think he'll be deposed as the Dem candidate) need only look at Obama's life expectancy.  He'll be 51 in 2012 (tho he'll age more quickly thanks to the tachyonic pace of the Precedency).  His mother died at 52, probably because she was named Stanley and they didn't check for female plumbing.  His father, the aptly named Barack Obama Sr, died at 45 of recklessness.  Parental lifespan is a strong predictor of your expectancy.  The real fight therefore is to get on the undercard.   

240 It's 500 signatures *per House district*, so they can't just do it in Indy.

Still no biggie; every city in Indiana has it's share of die-hard Dems.  A couple of guys per city could have that knocked out in a day.


If the Republicans want to have some revenge, Chicago-style, they could have lawyers sit in on the registration process and challenge signatures on the petitions until the candidate was DQed.

Only do that to the strong candidates.  We want the dingbat in the race against whichever conservative candidate...

241 Why is that all of these career politicians who have sucked off the taxpayers for decades, refer to themselves as "public servants"? Most of them amass fortunes, have the best medical care, and retirement benefits that make an AIG exec. look like a saint.

242 I won't say the GOP will take 8 seats, of keep all the ones up for grabs, but at this point any positivie gain they make will sink Obaka's hopes for filibuster-breaking legislative rampages.

We need enough seats so that the Maine twins can't jump ship and help him.

243 Is there some reason Feingold is not viewed as extremely vulnerable? If Thompson runs, that's way better than even money for a pickup.

244 @225
Interesting.   Any data to back that up, or just speculation at this point?

Posted by: pep at February 15, 2010 12:03 PM (0K3p3)

Other than the fact that Biden is a complete disaster and an idiot or that Obama looks like he is really going to need to hold Indiana and appear centrist in 2012? Pure speculation. Bayh is the guy he should have picked in the first place  but Obama's ego was too big to share the stage at that point. Obama knows better now.

245 harleycowboy: "Now she has State Dep. cred.s to add to her resume'. But are the people smart enough to figure out she's just another socialist in disguise?"

What do you think voters will think of Clinton's State Department? Exactly. Not a resume enhancer. She took a job that enhanced her level of fail. She has no reset button. The closest Clinton to any presidency is now Chelsea. So, yeah, voters know a socialist when they see one... now.

Thanks, Nancy and Barack!

246 #247 because Ifs are shit.

Nothing matters about a potential challenger, until that challenger actually declares his or her candidacy.

247 Democrat Tamyra d'Ippolito d'Ipbalito.  FIFY

248 248 @225
Other than the fact that Biden is a complete disaster and an idiot or that Obama looks like he is really going to need to hold Indiana and appear centrist in 2012? Pure speculation. Bayh is the guy he should have picked in the first place  but Obama's ego was too big to share the stage at that point. Obama knows better now.

Since you also mention a cabinet slot, BO has to be anticipating a Hillary departure.  She needs to distance herself for her primary challenge.  I believe that Joe plans to be fully occupied with his participation in the Special Olympics. 

249 Latest update from Erick at Redstate, via Twitter:

Word is Rep. Ellsworth will be Bayh's replacement -- he defeated Hostettler. Pro-life and pro 2nd amd. Can run to the right of Dan Coats.

250

Word is Rep. Ellsworth will be Bayh's replacement -- he defeated Hostettler. Pro-life and pro 2nd amd. Can run to the right of Dan Coats.

Yeah, I'm thinking the blue-dog two-step won't be fooling too many people this time around.

251 I believe that Joe plans to be fully occupied with his participation in the Special Olympics.

I didn't know they had a Senior division.

252 As far as 2012 is concerned, it is BETTER that we don't retake the Senate or House in 2010, but get close.  Then for the next two years the Obama Agenda will be DOA.  In 2012, we take the Senate, House and POTUS as Americans have had it to here with do-nothing Dems.

If we retake the House or Senate in 2010, it helps Obama IMMENSELY for 2012 as it forces him to the center and allows him to co-op the Republican achievements as his own as Clinton did.  And being the insufferable pussies they are, the Republican Leadership will allow this to happen.

So, anyway, BEST SCENARIO:
1. Get close enough in House and Senate to hamstring Obama's liberal agenda.
2. Obama and weakened Dems get CREAMED in 2012.

253

No, we want one of the houses at least -- subpoena power.

254 No, we want one of the houses at least -- subpoena power.

Fuck yeah.

255 HUGE DIFFERENCE FOR 2010 NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT:

In the past, Democrats have been able to run as "smart" moderates as opposed to "dumb" Republican ideologues.  Now they have shown themselves to be slavish far-left ideologues voting lockstep with their marxist leadership.

(The NEOMARX - my new word for liberal dems that pretend to be moderates to get elected).

No one will buy that this time.

Not since Bush 1 ran against Dukakis will the "liberal" tag hang so heavy around the necks of Democrats.

256

Replacing Biden...whaaaaaa?

Of all the blue dogs he's been the most vocal as of late about the excessiveness of his parties. Wee Wee couldn't have a dissenter in the ranks.

Posted by: laceyunderalls

 

I do hope that you're wrong. Otherwise, Sheriff Joe may be comning back to the land of tax free shopping and reclaiming the Senate seat that he held.

257 No Bill, gotta to get GAO and Committee Chairmanships in at least one house.

258 Oh man, it gets better.  According to a NBC report, Bayh didn't inform Reid of his retirement plans until after the MSM broke the news.

259 Oh man, it gets better.  According to a NBC report, Bayh didn't inform Reid of his retirement plans until after the MSM broke the news.

Posted by: mrp at February 15, 2010 12:49 PM (HjPtV)

Yeah,well that's payback for Reid squelching the jobs bill Obama wanted so badly AFTER the WH announced it's support of it. Obama is tacking right and Bayh is the first step.

260 28

Maybe he's thinking of running for governor.

No way. Mitch Daniels is wildly popular.

Evan Bayh has already been governor of Indiana (46th governor). 

He (Bayh) has a great resume (I don't like the guy, but still), so I agree that the thing would be to become an outsider.  He can take time to do what Palin and Romney are doing - poke at the admin from the outside. 

I think he's going to run for POTUS.  And, I think he'll be a strong candidate. 

261 OT - I accidentally watched 2 minutes of CNN, and the story was about those new 3-D body image scanners at the airport.  You folks are never going to believe it, but it turns out that it's against the Muslims' religion to get scanned by one.

262 I like the idea of nine in the Senate and 50 in the House. Joe Biden playing the tie breaker would make for comedy gold on C-span.

263 What'd you figure you'd do after government service, Senator?

- from "Stuff Wilford Brimley Said"

264 OT - I accidentally watched 2 minutes of CNN, and the story was about those new 3-D body image scanners at the airport.  You folks are never going to believe it, but it turns out that it's against the Muslims' religion to get scanned by one.

Posted by: FUBAR at February 15, 2010 12:54 PM (1fanL)

Well I belong to the Church of self preservation and it's against my religion to get blown upon a plane.  So they can just not fly, assholes.

265

There was a reason why the DLC was formed.

President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader Reid are three examples supporting that reason.

266 Bayh, wasn't he considered once to a be a rising star in the Democratic party. RUSH'S prediction is coming to pass, Obama is ruining his entire party.

267 Yah, Biden is out in 2012. Bayh is grooming himself, and the poster who suggested Bayh will get a Cabinet appointment first wins a fat Cuban perfecto. No way in frosty AGW hell does anyone, anyone challenge Barry in 2012 from the Demotard benches. The lamestream media will be in full skirts-over-their-heads mode rooting for Barry's reelection, and any Dem who mounts a serious (that is, not Kucinich) challenge will be torn limb from limb. Dems just roll that way, like kamikaze retards.

268 256, Obama had a super-majority and still got hamstrung, I cant even think ow a close retake of the Senate will screw him up. I think it is the DEMS who as well are having buyers remorse for Obama. They put their faith in a "messiah" but they got instead was just another over-hyped product.

269 How much for the bridge, beyotch?!?!

270 The comments at Kos are AWESOME.

There all like, 'great, finally got rid of that DINO'.

Whistle past the graveyard much guys?

Posted by: DrewM. at February 15, 2010 11:07 AM (9B5OK)

DINO?  How can they say that?  I think it was Beck that said Bayh has voted solidly down the line with Zippy from Day One.  How he could campaign on being the opposite of  teh Once is inconceivable.  Something doesn't smell right about this.  This morning's history lesson with Beck detailed the exact playbook run by FDR way back when.  Bam's still got two-thirds of the porkulous.

When FDR's re-election was looking bleak, the U.S. Postmaster at the time/Dem. party chairman (one in the same) did an exhaustive study of every voting district in the country and ID'd sure things/no chance/leaners.  This guy had the bright idea to funnel money to those districts that were leaning toward FDR, which they did, through their congress critters.

Said congress critters went home and said, See what FDR and I have brought you?  (Bammy's going to hit them with REAL job opportunities this time out).    Everything from that year was identical to now, including the first failed stimulus.   Unfortunately, FDR won.  Again.

271 I don't think he'll pop up in the Obama administration.  Look what happened to Hillary.

He signals his intentions pretty clearly here: 

“But running for the sake of winning an election, just to remain in public office, is not good enough,” Bayh said. “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.”

I'd guess university president (I'm not sure that Purdue is super-happy with their current president) or private charity (Red Cross type of thing?). 

272

The flaming skull is appropriate, BUT .........

Some things demand a little extra.  Look at those two sockets.  What do they remind you of?

Pudding containers.  Fill those sockets with pudding.  Over label/seal is optional.

273 I'd guess university president (I'm not sure that Purdue is super-happy with their current president) or private charity (Red Cross type of thing?). 

Posted by: Y-not at February 15, 2010 01:24 PM (X69zM)

I don't think Purdue gives a rat's ass about their President right this second.  They have a top 5 basketball team.

274 278
I don't think Purdue gives a rat's ass about their President right this second.  They have a top 5 basketball team.

They do.  The president they recruited from UC Riverside, who I admit looked "right" on paper (female, former NASA admin), loathes anything to do with fundraising.  That includes meeting with (and continuing to thank) donors.  Purdue completed a $1.5 billion fundraising campaign just before Cordova arrived.  The president who oversaw that campaign (Martin Jiscke) was wildly popular.  So much so that he poked Indiana University out of its top spot in the hearts and mind of Indiana movers and shakers by demonstrating that Purdue was not an ivory tower, emphasizing economic development and community engagement.  Jiscke's name was being floated as a possible gubernatorial candidate a couple of years ago.  I think he's a moderate Democrat, although he kept his political leanings fairly close to the vest while he was at Purdue.

Cordova has been a disaster.  She is burning through all the good will that Jiscke garnered for Purdue and she's not even that good with the faculty, so they aren't particularly happy either. 

On the other hand, I don't think Purdue would want someone in for just a couple of years, so unless he's definitely waiting until 2016 for his presidential bid, it might not be the best job. 

My money's on a foundation gig.  Nothing quite beats handing out flipping great wadges of cash to the needy and schmoozing with philanthropists to get yourself ready to run for POTUS. 

275 Gabe, I love your posts and all, but the last paragraph reeks of concern troll and negativity.

Eeyore much?

276

any Dem who mounts a serious (that is, not Kucinich) challenge will be torn limb from limb

Suppose, though, that the Dem rank-and-file is so demoralised or pissed-off that Kucinich or, more likely, Gravel starts pulling even with O in Iowa and New Hampshire 2012.

The Democratic Convention should be fun to watch that year.

277

This is great news! I don't think the GOP will take the senate, but it will just about ruin Obama's chance of getting anything radical through it. A pickup of 6 seats seems about right.

The Repubs really need to concentrate on taking the House. Once that is done, Obama is broken. You have budget control, and the power of the subpoena and the power to hold hearings.

Investigate the living shit out of this marxist clownshow every frigging day for the next 2 years! 

278 Posted by: Y-not at February 15, 2010 01:35 PM (X69zM)

You must be an alum.  My dad's an alum.  I was born in Lafayette.

279 @283

Not an alumna, but my husband and I worked there for 7 years (faculty and upper admin) and we still have a lot of contacts there. 

I think it's great about the men's hoops team, btw.  I just don't see how the university benefits from a strong athletics program if the president refuses to raise money. 

280 Speech is on. He's campaigning it seems. Hmmm.

281

212 Colorado looks increasingly red UNLESS Bennett drops out.

Former Dem Speaker of the House, Andrew Romanoff (Ivy League, trust fund, no business experience that I know of), the likely Dem candidate if Bennet drops out, is farther left than Bennet.  Romanoff might give lefties in Denver and Boulder a reason to vote, but I don't think he has a chance of winning a statewide race.

Also, the last I heard, Jane Norton (establishment Republican) was polling double digits over Bennet. 

282 > So, will Republicans retake the Senate? Um, NO. You're telling me they're gonna sweep all those states and lose none? I got a bridge I'd like to sell ya. Yup, that could never happen.

283

So, will Republicans retake the Senate? Um, NO. You're telling me they're gonna sweep all those states and lose none? I got a bridge I'd like to sell ya.

That's the mindset that has won soooo many Super Bowls for Detroit.