The Bayh family has the best record in all of Indiana politics. Their dynasty has extended from the Indiana governor’s mansion to both chambers of Congress.
This means that if Republican Rep. Todd Young pulls off an upset against former Sen. Evan Bayh, he’ll do more than just win a Senate seat. Young would be the first Republican to defeat a Bayh in 36 years. The last Bayh to lose was Indiana Sen. Birch Bayh in 1980. Ronald Reagan’s landslide victory over Democrat President Jimmy Carter produced a red wave that carried 12 Republican Senate candidates to victory, including the little-known Rep. Dan Quayle.
With just a week to go, the Democrat’s inept campaign, whose footprint in the state appears to be non-existent, has muffed a double-digit lead. Down by as much as 21 points this summer, the Republican has clawed back into competition during the final stretch of the campaign. A recent Monmouth University poll has the two running in a statistical dead heat. Once an easy win for Democrats, Indiana’s now a competitive toss-up, and Republicans have the momentum.
Unlike many other states with competitive Senate races this year, the top of the GOP ticket won’t be a drag in the Hoosier State. Buoyed by the popularity of his running mate, Hoosier Gov. Mike Pence, Donald Trump enjoys a comfortable 6-point lead. As a retired Marine and two-term congressman, Young has a compelling story and significant record in his own right.
But in the end, it’s questions about Bayh’s past that might well make the difference.
In recent days, Bayh has endured a steady barrage of negative press. He’s faced questions about missing critical committee hearings, cozying up to lobbyists before important votes, and losing touch with his own state.
That last charge has been most damaging to Bayh’s reputation for Indiana voters. While the former senator carries an Indiana driver’s license and owns an Indianapolis condo, he splits most of his time between his beach-front penthouse in Florida and two chic homes in Washington, D.C.
That real estate, along with evidence that Bayh spent his last year in office looking for a lucrative private sector job, have given Young plenty of ammunition to work with. If he succeeds, it’ll be historic.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
