"At the end of the day, I concluded that due to circumstances beyond our control the odds were longer than I felt I could responsibly pursue," Bayh said in a statement. "This path - and these long odds - would have required me to be essentially absent from the Senate for the next year instead of working to help the people of my state and the nation."

The same AP story goes on to note:

Just last weekend, Bayh traveled to New Hampshire, the early presidential primary state, but his appearance drew little notice as Obama delivered two speeches to sold-out crowds and attracted hordes of reporters. Bayh joins former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner as well-known Democrats who already have decide against a 2008 run.

I was the first one to predict that Obama will win in 2008. Look for other potential candidates to continue to fall by the wayside. Obama, Hillary, and Gore are the only serious democratic candidates left - and there is no question that the fresh face beats the Clinton era-reruns on the trail right now. Obama is drawing crowds that can hardly be contained. Hillary and Gore still have media presence but are not drawing the man on the street interest that Obama is.

Hillary has already delayed her visit to New Hampshire and continues to put off an official announcement. Her supporters are growing antsy and want to see her take some action soon. My hunch is that Carville and co. will start Obama smear campaigns soon - but may have trouble, and if they can't get something to stick - Hillary will be done.