The best thing about this? Freepers are sad: Pence won't run against Bayh

Pence not running against Bayh for Senate

Despite a late recruitment push from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) announced he won't be challenging Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) this year, and will instead seek re-election to the House.

Republicans have grown increasingly bullish on their chances at winning Bayh's Indiana Senate seat in light of the worsening political environment for Democrats, but don't have a strong candidate willing to take him on — at least not yet.

Pence led Bayh in a Rasmussen poll released yesterday, and Bayh polled under 50 percent against two other possible Republican challengers.

Here's Pence's letter:

Open Letter to Friends and Supporters

As many of you are aware, I have been approached about running for the United States Senate in 2010. Karen and I have been humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement which we received from across Indiana, especially since there are several capable and qualified candidates already seeking the Republican nomination.

After much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to remain in the House and to seek reelection to the 6th Congressional District in 2010.

I am staying for two reasons. First because I have been given the responsibility to shape the Republican comeback as a member of the House Republican Leadership and, second, because I believe Republicans will win back the majority in the House of Representatives in 2010.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/32015.html#ixzz0djv7DJzD

Well, that would have been Bayh's biggest competition. I detest Bayh but wonder what Rethug could beat him now.

a craven DLC sellout vs. a genuine-article right wing "there's a war against Christians" nutcase.