Gov. Bayh Plans Positive Keynote Speech To Democrats

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Aug. 19) -- Gov. Evan Bayh of Indiana plans to give a "positive" and "forward-looking" keynote address at the Democrats' national convention in Chicago, which opens Aug. 26.

Democrats called many of the Republican speeches at that party's convention last week "partisan" and "divisive," and claim that they will take the high road at their own forum. Bayh said that he and President Bill Clinton both agreed that he should focus on positive themes.

As Indiana's governor for the past eight years, Bayh, 40, is known for being a popular official who has successfuly cooperated with Republicans in the local government. He said, "I wouldn't feel comfortable being asked to be highly critical or stridently partisan."

Instead, Bayh intends to talk about Indiana's reduction in the number of people on its welfare rolls, its large budget surplus, educational reform and job creation.

The speech will be televised nationally on the second night of the convention. "It's a little like a high-wire act without a net," Bayh said of the pressure.

In 1998, the two-term governor plans to run for the seat his father, Birch Bayh, once held in the Senate, challenging incumbent Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.). Historically, delivering the keynote address raises a politician's stock and can pay off in future races. But all Bayh would say was, "My own political future will take care of itself."

Related Story:

• Indiana Governor Will Be Democrat's Keynote Speaker - Aug. 17, 1996

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