An interesting story via The Hill. Considering the dire conditions facing Democratic challengers and incumbents across the country, I think the frustration is understandable:Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), who is retiring at the end of the year, reported earlier this month having an eye-popping $10.8 million on hand. But he has given only $15,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) to keep his seat in Democratic hands, according to his fundraising reports.
[...]
DSCC Chair Robert Menendez (NJ) declined to discuss his conversations with Bayh.
"It's up to Sen. Bayh what he does with his money," said Menendez.
A spokesman for Bayh noted the senator has helped in other ways, giving $1 million to the Indiana Democratic Party in March.
"Sen. Bayh has an open mind but hasn't made any final decisions on what to do with the remainder of his campaign account," his spokesman said in a statement. Not exactly a warm-and-fuzzy embrace from Menendez, eh?
For what it's worth, Bayh has come under fire for this same issue just about every election cycle, and he's always been pretty stingy with his campaign cash. So, to a certain extent, there's precedent here which may go to explaining the reluctance to open the ol' purse strings.
On the other hand, if the cash is being held in reserve for a future bid for statewide office, one has to wonder if the coinage might be better spent now rather than later.
If this year turns out very badly -- an Ellsworth loss, a loss of the Indiana House, and the loss of at least one congressional seat -- you have to think that Bayh will be spending the money anyway when it comes time to convince Hoosier Democrats that he shouldn't be blamed for bailing during one of the toughest years on record. |
