After 7 minutes of reflection on Bayh’s decision to retire from the US Senate, instead of face a brutal run for reelection, here’s some drive-by commentary to ponder:

– Democrats will not have a bloody primary fought out in the open.  Bayh’s late departure ensures that there will be a vacancy on the ballot, which Democrats must fill in a private caucus.  It will be hard fought, not doubt, just not on the evening news.  That was clearly Bayh’s intent.

– How long ago did Bayh know that he would not run?  He’s been voting against the interests of his constituents for years.  The fact that he isn’t running again brings his votes on bailouts, spending, and health care into perspective.

– Does this hurt the Case for Coats?  Dan Coats was recruited because the conventional wisdom among Republican Party elders was that a “big name” was needed to compete with Bayh and his war chest.  Bayh’s departure seems to open up the Republican primary and takes away the key talking point for Coats’ supporters.

– Put Congressmen Baron Hill and Brad Ellsworth on the short list.  Hill will want it more, because that’s just how he is, but he’s also hopelessly damaged goods after his vote in favor of health care, cap and trade, and every spending bill Democrats have offered.