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UPDATE: Quotes from the Senator’s 2pm press conference . . .

“To put it in words most people can understand: I love working for the people of Indiana, I love helping our citizens make the most of their lives, but I do not love Congress.”

“My decision was not motivated by political concern. Even in the current challenging environment, I am confident in my prospects for re-election.”

“I am constantly reminded that if Washington, D.C., could be more like Indiana, Washington would be a better place.”

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02/15/10 Hot on the heels of the Scott Brown victory in Massachusetts, Democratic control of the Senate now seems much more up for grabs with today’s surprise announcement by Indiana Senator Evan Bayh that he will not run for a third term. The Indianapolis Star reports Bayh cites partisanship as his reason for leaving the US Senate but he faced a campaign challenge from Republican (and former Senator) Dan Coats.

The Senator holds a press conference at 2pm today to discuss his decision.

[Here’s a photo I took of Senator Bayh at the Democratic Leadership Council’s “2002 National Conversation” in NYC. The DLC was created as a home for the more center/conservative wing of the Democratic party. Note Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) in the background who herself is in a tough spot politically. Recent polling has her trailing to multiple GOP contenders by double digits. Lincoln’s job approval rating has sunk to 27%. ]