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Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), a key centrist in the Senate, announced today that he will not seek re-election in November. Bayh originally notified members of his staff on Friday, and this morning told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and others about the decision to retire.

"After all these years, my passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished, but my desire to do so in Congress has waned," said Bayh, 54, during a press conference Monday.

Though a recent poll had him leading comfortably against Republican challengers, former Sen. Dan Coats and former Rep. John Hostettler, Bayh said the passion to serve a third term just isn't there for him.

"I am confident in my prospects for re-election...But running for the sake of winning an election, just to remain in public office, is not good enough."

House Republican Conference Chairman Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), a popular conservative who was once rumored to have been planning to run against Bayh, reiterated Monday that he will not leave his seat in the House.

“After receiving considerable encouragement to run for the United States Senate last month, Mr. Pence made a decision to seek reelection to the House of Representatives and help lead a conservative comeback in 2010 and that decision stands," said a spokesperson for Pence.

Bayh becomes the third prominent Democrat to announce his retirement this year. Fellow Sens. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) and Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) have also said they will not run for re-election in November.