Sen. Bayh Seeks Edge in Democratic Field

Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., right, greets Marc Wallace before speaking at a fund-raising event for local Democratic Party candidates, Thursday, July 6, 2006, in Des Moines, Iowa. Bayh was back in Iowa Thursday, raising funds for legislative candidates and testing waters for a potential presidential run in 2008. The Democrat has now visited Iowa five times in the last 12 months, exceeding most other potential candidates also seeking a foothold in the state that launches the presidential nominating season. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Charlie Neibergall - AP)

"I have a proven track record of doing something this president said he would do and never did, and that's being more of a uniter than a divider, reaching out to independents, reasonable Republicans as well as all of our Democrats," Bayh said.

There's plenty of competition for the backing of moderate Democrats. Bayh is seeking to separate himself from rivals like former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner by focusing on his national security resume, which includes membership on the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees.

"One thing we need to do is prove to this country that we can be tough and smart," said Bayh. "We need to take Karl Rove and this administration on this issue. We know they are going to attack us on this."

"Warner does have a paucity of foreign policy experience," said Democratic consultant Steve Murphy, who said the jury is still out on the competition. "We have elected a one-term governor in the recent past. It all depends on Warner's performance in the campaign."

Warner spokeswoman Ellen Qualls dismissed the notion of a competition.

"If Governor Warner decides to throw his hat in the ring, I don't think he's going to be fighting for a label. He's going to be asking folks to look at his record," said Qualls.

Bayh's close attention to retail politics has earned him high marks as Iowa Democrats head into a competitive election with an open governor's race, toss-up House races and a legislature that's virtually tied. Bayh planned to attend eight events raising money for local candidates.

"He is making inroads here," said former Iowa Democratic Chairman Gordon Fischer. "He is doing what it takes to be successful in the Iowa caucuses, and that is a lot of retail politics."

Tom Courtney, a state senator from Burlington, Iowa, was getting some help from Bayh.

"When I'm around town, I'm starting to hear Bayh's name mentioned," Courtney said. "Democrats are looking for somebody who is new and fresh."

Though Bayh is making an impression in some early states, he remains little known around the country.

"Honestly, there's only one person on anybody's radar screen and that's Senator Clinton," said Democratic strategist Chris Lehane, who is not working for any candidate. "None of these other folks have begun to register in a meaningful way."

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On the Net:

Sen. Evan Bayh: http://bayh.senate.gov/