Chris Cillizza is reporting that Evan Bayh will announce his retirement later today.

"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 will say. Bayh will announce the decision at a press conference later today. He was first elected to the Senate in 1998 and was re-elected easily in 2004. National Republicans had recruited former Sen. Dan Coats to challenge Bayh in 2010 although polling suggested Bayh began the race with a 20-point edge. He also had $13 million in the bank at the end of the year.

Unfortunately, while Bayh is no great shakes from a progressive--or even solidly Democratic point of view, his Republican opponents are far worse. So, thanks, Bayh, for setting up the Dems for an even more difficult future getting anything through the Senate.

Update: And it gets even better. Hotline reminds us that the deadline for filing in the race is Feb. 19--yes, this Friday.