Rep. Todd Young has succeeded where no Republican has for over 36 years. The longshot challenger has defeated Evan Bayh and the Democrat political dynasty that bears his family name.
Democrat plans to recapture the Senate hinged partly on winning the Hoosier State. Young’s victory keeps Republicans competitive for control of the upper chamber. But Young didn’t win this campaign as much as Bayh lost it.
Before Tuesday, Bayh was a chosen son, a household name and a lock to win the seat. The Democrat’s ties to the state run deep. He has served as Indiana’s secretary of state, governor and finally senator. But the former senator’s luxurious taste and questionable use of taxpayer funds torpedoed his campaign.
Behind by double digits earlier this summer, Young clawed his way back by painting Bayh as a carpetbagger and political opportunist.
While serving as senator, Bayh had no place to rest his head in Indiana. Records show that Bayh refused to stay at the Indianapolis condo he owns and instead charged taxpayers for his stays at fancy downtown hotels. A pair of luxury properties in D.C. and Florida didn’t help his case either.
When coupled with Bayh’s lobbying career, his real estate holdings soured among voters during a populist election cycle. Toward the end, it wasn’t clear if the Democrat lived in or even liked Indiana.
Among Republicans, Young also enjoyed a unique advantage. Rather than dodging the nominee like other candidates, he was able to draft behind Donald Trump. The New York businessman won big in ruby red Indiana and brought Young along with him.
While the Senate map continues to shake out, it’s difficult to use Indiana as a bellwether. But Young’s victory proves one thing: Bayh won’t have to worry about coming home to Indiana again.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
