Evan Bayh: "I Do Not Love Congress"

(CBS)

The former governor and soon-to-be ex-Senator of Indiana said that his passion for serving in Congress has "waned." It's more like his faith in Congress as a place where positive change can happen has waned.

"The peoples' business is not getting done," he said during a press conference on Monday. "I do not love Congress," he added.

He stated that his decision should not reflect badly on the Obama administration or his many friends in Congress, but his decision to exit politics sends a clear signal that Bayh was fed up with business as usual in Washington, which President Obama said he would change during his campaign and first year in office.

Bayh, whose re-election to a third term as senator in 2010 was not in doubt, pointed to two recent examples of partisan politics and ideologies that has frozen legislation in the nation's capital.

"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 in a statement.

"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.

"I am an executive at heart and value my independence," Bayh said in criticizing partisanship. He said that he can best contribute to society by "helping grow a business, helping guide an institution of higher learning or helping run a worthy charitable endeavor."

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[MNBantisbanned]

I am concerned about the exploding debt too. Including my own. I was talking to my coworker who makes more than me who said he and his wife got back 5600 bucks on their return. This is more than I net in 6 months working full time doing the same job. Instead I have to pay in 2700$ despite the fact that our take gross is likely half theirs. I do know they have 3 kids and he is going to school but really, I could practically live on what he gets back in taxes. Instead I will probably be living out of a card board box somewhere.

[RobAla]

Most Americans don't like Congress either, and this is not a new lack of appreciation. Most of us didn't like Congress when President Bush was in office. The big difference is that now the American people have finally had their fill. We should expect big changes in both the House and Senate as a result of the November 2010 election. This is why so many from both parties have decided to call it quits. This is fine with me; in fact I would love to see term limits allowing 12 years (two terms) in the Senate and 6 years (three terms) in the House.

[ky7474]

Big corporations love congress and of course they love themselves. A perfect match made in hell.

[retm-w]

I understand what he is talking about with the likes of Reid, Pelosi, Bohener and McConnell.

[bradkt1]

He is a legend in his own mind. He and the Blue Dogs are a major part of the reason that Congress didn't work. If he had supported his own party, it would have worked.