Democratic Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana, Byron Dorgan of North Dakota and Chris Dodd of Connecticut are all retiring and don’t need the combined $20 million in their war chests this fall.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, on the other hand, has just over $14 million in the bank at the moment and is playing defense in races across the country. So it could sure use the cash.
Now, as worries grow among top Democratic officials about just how ugly this November could be, the pressure is increasing on this trio of Senate veterans to do right by their party and bequeath their remaining money to help keep the majority.
Of the three, the most intense focus is on Bayh, who stockpiled nearly $13 million before shocking the political world, not to mention many of his Democratic colleagues, by announcing in February that he would retire instead of seeking a third term.
“A lot of people in the caucus are watching what he does,” said a senior Democratic aide, noting that Bayh’s surprise decision “left a bitter taste in some people’s mouth.”
“In order to leave his colleagues on a good note, this is something that would probably be helpful,” said the aide.
Added another senior Democratic aide: “Many people felt blindsided by his decision [to retire] in particular — the question now is whether he is going to take his money with him as well.”
The question, said the aide, “is going to make for some interesting conversations in the caucus lunch- and cloakrooms in the days and weeks to come.” - Politico Story
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