2008: Bayh to decide this winter

Senator Evan Bayh will make his decision regarding a presidential candidacy in the winter of 2006 or early 2007.

Saying the public needs some relief, Sen. Evan Bayh plans to wait until after Christmas to decide whether to seek the presidency in 2008.

The power makeup in Washington needs to settle and the "toxic" political environment must clear before it would be appropriate to announce his intentions, the two-term Indiana senator said Wednesday.

"I think the public is ready for a break from politics," Bayh, 50, told The Associated Press.[...]

After such a drastic change, Bayh said, there will be a tendency among Democrats to gloat, and for Republicans to attack, both of which would slow the country's progress.

"It's going to take more than one side and everybody to make it better. Will that be difficult? Yes. Is it essential that we get it done? Absolutely. The country is just stuck," said Bayh, a former Indiana governor.

Bayh casts himself as a moderate Democrat who can attract the support of independents and Republicans. He has been a frequent visitor to Iowa as he decides whether to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in what already is considered a crowded field.

His father, former Sen. Birch Bayh, was an unsuccessful candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976.

Bayh was in Evansville to support Brad Ellsworth, who defeated Republican Rep. John Hostettler in the 8th Congressional District. Democrats Baron Hill in the 9th District and Joe Donnelly in the 2nd District also ousted incumbents.

You can view the Senator's speech introducing Congressman-elect Brad Ellsworth at YouTube.