My BIGGEST fear is that we use all of our ammo attacking Hilary, and this guy walks away with the nomination. I know he's a gun-grabber, but beyond that, what else can we use to keep him from becoming President? I'm at a loss, perhaps Indiana folks like yourself can shed some light on his vulnerabilities.
He actually wasn't as the Governor of Indiana. When he left for the Senate the state of Indiana had a $3 billion surplus. When he got to the Senate, he voted against the impeachment of Clinton. He voted against Rice & Gonzalez. If you heard his last speech leading the DLC, he sounded like Howard Dean. All liberal rhetoric.
The lottery director was fired in a big-time sex scandal. I really remember that one, because it involved an employee who was a mistress, and using the state police to threaten her.
I agree that Bayh is dangerous. We need to start asking him who he would have in his cabinet, about his ties to unions, etc. He talks lllike a moderate, but if you check his voting record it is more like Daschle's.
However, I do remember that I was very afraid that the pretty-boy lawyer would take the democrat primary in 2004. He didn't even come close, and turned out not to be particularly scintillating as a vice presidential candidate.
I'm from Indianapolis. Bayh was very popular here--mostly for being young and cute. I can't think of any accomplishments he had. When he left office and his Lt. Gov won the job, the state went down quickly---one of the worst in education, job growth, healthy-related issues, etc. Lots of government spending without results. He is supported by some big names with deep pockets including the ultra-liberal Simon family (they own practically every shopping mall in the country). Bren Simon is good buddies with Bill Clinton. Also, Jeff Smulyan who owns radio stations and magazines nationwide is a big supporter.
I can't think of anything he's done as Senator. I don't believe he has any military experience.