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Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh will announce today that he's not seeking another term, handing a huge blow to Democrats and giving Republicans a key opportunity to pick up another Senate seat in 2010.

According to excerpts provided to the Indianapolis Star, Bayh will talk about excessive partisanship in his statement this afternoon.

"After all these years, my passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished, but my desire to do so by serving in Congress has waned," Bayh plans to say, according to excerpts posted by the newspaper. "My decision was not motivated by political concern. Even in the current challenging environment, I am confident in my prospects for re-election."

"At this time I simply believe I can best contribute to society in another way: creating jobs by helping grow a business, helping guide an institution of higher learning or helping run a worthy charitable endeavor," Bayh will say, according to the paper.

In 2008, Bayh was on Barack Obama's short list for vice president, but he emerged as a critical voice in the Democratic party. According to an analysis by Congressional Quarterly, he voted against Obama's position, where clearly stated, more than any other Senate Democrat -- on 23 percent of 79 Senate votes.

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