Indiana Senator Evan Bayh is taking steps to run for the White House in 2008:
Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh announced today he is forming a presidential exploratory committee, a move that allows him to raise money and travel the country in support of a potential national candidacy in 2008.
Appearing on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” Bayh said the American people “need someone who can deal with the dysfunction here in this city so that our government begins to empower our people to fulfill their potential.” He added: “If I can be that individual, so be it.” He expects to make a final decision on whether or not to run by early 2007.
As you might have noticed, it’s been a bust week on the Democratic side of the `08 race:
Bayh’s announcements caps a busy week in Democratic presidential politics as Gov. Tom Vilsack (Iowa) formally announced his bid, former senator Thomas A. Daschle (S.D.) dropped from the race and Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) and Barack Obama (Ill.) began to truly test the 2008 waters. Clinton is reaching out to members of the New York congressional delegation seeking advice and support should she run, while Obama said he will visit New Hampshire, a key early state in the primary process, on Dec. 10.
Of course, Bayh’s got an uphill battle ahead of him:
While Bayh’s r?sum? is impressive, he remains almost unknown to voters outside of his home state. National polling as well as surveys in early voting states show Bayh as barely a blip on the radar screen when compared to well-known figures like Clinton, Obama and former North Carolina senator John Edwards.
Barring something truly amazing, I doubt Bayh will go far, but he will definitely be on the short list for the Vice-Presidential nomination.
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