Evan Bayh: A Legacy of Public Service, Political Dedication

Posted by Dan Parker | 12/14/2010

As you know, this weekend Evan Bayh announced his decision to spend time with his wife, Susan, and twin sons instead of pursuing another bid for public office following his retirement from the United States Senate in January.

During his time as our Secretary of State, Governor and U.S. Senator, Evan Bayh touched countless lives across Indiana and earned a reputation as someone who worked across the aisle to fight for critical issues that affect working Hoosier families: education, jobs, credit reforms and access to vital services.

Evan Bayh's legacy will stretch far beyond his 24 years of public service, and Indiana Democrats will not soon forget his work on behalf of our party.

Over the past quarter-century, Democrats held the majority in the Indiana House for 18 years and called the Governor's Residence home for 16 years. Evan Bayh was featured in hundreds of television advertisements and hosted events for candidates at all levels to do one thing -- help like-minded Democrats to serve in public office.

Democrats who once worked for Evan Bayh held high the standard of public service in their own right. Frank O'Bannon succeeded him in the Office of Governor. Bart Peterson served two terms as Mayor of Indianapolis. Former Secretary of State Joe Hogsett now serves as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. Pam Carter became the state's first African-American Attorney General.

The list of success stories goes on and on, but it's important to remember that we did not win every campaign or office over the last 24 years.

But, through Evan Bayh's continued support and leadership, the Indiana Democratic Party survived the times when our candidates did not prevail at the ballot box, and he has helped us build a strong infrastructure that we will rely on in 2011 and 2012 to return Democrats to office across the state.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't offer my personal thanks to Evan for hiring me as a staff member more years ago than I'd care to count and teaching me the ins and outs of Indiana politics. It was as great a privilege to work with him as it is to work with all of you as we strive to elect Democrats and implement our vision for the future of Indiana.

I hope you will join me in thanking Evan for his contributions to public service and to Indiana Democrats over the past 24 years. We look back in appreciation and forward toward a successful future together.

Democratically yours,
Daniel J. Parker