(Thumbnail image: The Indianapolis Star)

Some say Democratic Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana’s retirement announcement is a huge hurt for the Democratic party, but others are calling it a blessing in disguise.

“I do not love Congress. I will not therefore be a candidate for reelection to the United States Senate this November.” (FOX News)

On MSNBC, The Nation editor Katrina Vanden Heuvel says Bayh’s strong words will mean a critical look at the Democratic party.

Vanden Heuvel: "But look at the deep, structural problems of our Senate. That’s where I agree with Senator Bayh, but his diagnosis is wrong.

Guest: Why didn’t you change those when you had 60 votes and a liberal president?

Vanden Heuvel: Well now I think there will be a grassroots campaign to look very hard at structural problems.”

ABC News says Bayh’s announcement sent Democrats scrambling.

“This is obviously a major blow to Democrats, and to make sure there is no more bad news coming this morning, Democratic leaders are working hard to try to make sure there are no more retirements.”

With retirements from other high-profile Democrats like Chris Dodd U.S. News and World Report says Bayh’s bye-bye is no biggie — that the real issue is how the Democratic party squandered its potential power.

“Name me one piece of important legislation that Evan Bayh ever crafted … America will not miss Evan Bayh …We gave the Blue Team 60 seats in the Senate, and they bungled the opportunity …They cower now, and whine like Evan Bayh.”

Looking to the future, The Washington Post argues this retirement is just part of Bayh’s personal political prospects.

“His stunning retirement from the Senate is essentially a loud and emphatic “screw you” to President Obama ... Quitting the Senate was a no-lose move for the presidentially ambitious Bayh …”

So, do you think the party is rightfully rid of Bayh, or is this a sign that the Democrats are drowning?

Writer: Lauren Zima

Producer:  Newsy Staff