When I read Michael Barone’s write-up on the Bayh retirement announcement, I couldn’t help but notice this:
“My decision was not motivated by political concern. . . . At this time I believe I can best contribute to society in another way: by creating jobs by helping to grow a business, helping guide an institution of higher learning or helping to run a worthy charitable endeavor.”
These all represent ways in which lawmakers cash out after spending careers in public service — they get themselves appointed to corporate boards and positions in higher education that pay well and often require little work. The fact that Bayh is seeking such a job is certainly no shock. Who wouldn’t? But the fact that he would use his retirement statement to put out a glorified want ad like this one is a bit of a shock, and has unsavory implications.
