Retiring Sen. Bayh: No run for governor

Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh (D) has ruled out another bid for governor in 2012.

The retiring two-term senator said concerns about his family stopped him from seeking the Hoosier State’s top job.

“After careful consideration, I have concluded that the appropriate decision is not to be a candidate for governor of Indiana in 2012,” Bayh told The Washington Post in a statement. “The principle reason for my decision is the welfare of my twin sons.”

Bayh expanded on his initial remarks in a statement released by the Indiana Democratic Party on Sunday. The Democrat made it clear another campaign would be “especially onerous” on his family, and suggested his retirement is a permanent departure from politics.

“While Susan and I prefer Indiana to Washington, D.C., at this time, a statewide campaign would require relocating our children; it would require a change of schools, separation from their friends and athletic teams — all during a formative time in their lives,” Bayh said.

He added that his involvement in public life would take a “different form.”

“I’ll continue to serve, but my contributions will take a different form and on a different stage. I will reassume the most important role any one can play in a democracy — involved citizen,” he said.

Bayh was a two-term governor before being elected to the Senate in the late 1990s. He announced in February his intention not to seek a third term. His seat was subsequently picked up by the GOP in last month’s elections.

Speculation about Bayh’s political future has persisted, in part, because his campaign coffers remain flush. Bayh has $10.2 million remaining in his campaign account, according to his latest Federal Election Commission filing.

Some have speculated that Bayh may return to teaching. After leaving the governor’s office for the first time, he briefly lectured at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

Current Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) is term limited and can’t seek reelection in 2012. 

—Updated at 6:20 p.m.