The news about Sen. Evan Bayh opting not to seek reelection had been out for an hour before Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid heard from him.
As we reported earlier, Bayh (D-IN) phoned President Obama this morning about his decision.
But an aide to Reid tells us that Bayh called the majority leader at about 11:45 a.m. to let him know.
During his 2 p.m. press conference Bayh will say that partisan gridlock in Washington is one reason he’s bowing out.
Late Update: Hours later, Reid issued out a statement about Bayh’s decision. It doesn’t mention that he was the last to know and is fairly laudatory of Bayh’s record.
Reid says:
Evan Bayh has been a strong voice for Indiana for many years and I thank him for his service. I respect his decision to step aside and look forward to continuing working with him to create jobs, strengthen the economy and keep our country safe throughout the remainder of his term. I am also confident that the efforts of Senator Bayh along with those of the DSCC will keep this seat in the Democratic Caucus.
