Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) told CNN today that he does not plan to become a lobbyist after his term ends this year.
There has been speculation that Bayh, who announced this week that he will not seek re-election, would embark on a lucrative lobbying career.
“I do not. No,” he said when asked by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer if he plans to become a lobbyist. Bayh added he has an “open mind” about his next job, and expects to still be engaged in public service.
Byah also took another chance to rail against the partisanship he says made him want to leave the Senate.
“Not nearly enough has gotten done,” he said. “I don’t blame the Democratic Party for that … I certainly don’t blame the president. He’s making an honest effort, and it takes two to tango.”
He called for Republicans to prove themselves to be “statesmen and -women” and not engage in tribal warfare. He also blamed them for the defeat of a jobs bill.
“Right on the cusp of getting something done, once again, because of short-term political calculations, the minority leader [Mitch McConnell] decided, ‘You know, I like some of the things that are in there. But I’m not gonna come forward and endorse the thing because I want to reserve the right to kick the Democrats in the shins on the thing,” Bayh said.
This morning, he also called for reforming filibuster rules.
