Bayh not seeking re-election can hamper Democrat's prospects in US Senate

Washington, Feb 16 (ANI): Democratic Senator Evan Bayh's decision to not seek a third term in November could hamper party's prospect of retaining control of the Senate.

Bayh cited the lack of bipartisanship on Capitol Hill as his main reason for leaving, adding to scepticism that the fractiousness in Washington can be repaired and undermining President Barack Obama's efforts to build bridges.

"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 people's business is not being done," The Washington Post quoted Bayh, as saying. is announcement in Indianapolis came amid Democrats' rising anxiety about the party's national standing, especially among independent voters who tend to identify with middle-of-the-road Democrats such as Bayh.

A growing anti-incumbent mood fuelled Republican Scott Brown's victory last month in a special election for the Senate seat long held by the late Edward M. Kennedy.

Democrats were defeated in the 2009 gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. And senior Democratic senators Byron Dorgan (N.D.) and Christopher J. Dodd (Conn.) announced recently that they will not run for re-election.

National polls underscore the American public's disenchantment with the government: Just 36 percent of those surveyed said they planned to vote to re-elect their representative in Congress, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll this month.

Bayh's decision surprised the political world-including Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.). (ANI)