The Indiana Democratic Party Friday officially chose former Senator Evan Bayh to replace Baron Hill in the U.S. Senate race.
When Evan Bayh left the Senate in 2010, he cited gridlock and divisive partisanship as reasons for his departure. Despite no change in those conditions, Bayh says he's compelled to return.
"Because I think the stakes for America are even higher," Bayh says. "The gridlock and the dysfunction, given the challenges that we face, is even more harmful to the people of America."
Bayh's opponent, Republican Todd Young, has been on the offensive, attacking Bayh's lobbying background and arguing the former Senator, who has properties in the Washington, D.C.-area, doesn't really live in Indiana. Bayh says he's unconcerned about that charge.
"I choose to focus on the challenges that face Indiana families – creating good jobs, making college more affordable, being strong against the threat of international terrorism, those sorts of things," he says.
The state Democratic Party's central committee opted for Bayh in their Friday closed-door meeting over Bob Kern, who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in three different House districts the last three elections.