Bayh & Buyer talk about ends of terms

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WLFI) - Greater Lafayette Commerce met with Congressman Steve Buyer and Senator Evan Bayh.

This is the last year the delegation will meet with these two federal lawmakers, whose terms are ending soon.

Greater Lafayette Commerce has taken annual trips to Washington, D.C. for decades to lobby for a variety of local projects. But those projects got little little attention during this meeting with Fourth District Congressman Steve Buyer (R), who announced he was leaving congress just weeks ago.

Buyer said he's in a reflective mood since announcing his retirement. And much of what he's reflecting on he doesn't like, including government spending and debt.

"Forty-three percent of this budget is financed by putting it on the debt. And we are at an unsustainable pace with regard to our deficits and the entitlements that are being created. Not counting what he wants to do on health care, we're approaching a 22 trillion dollar debt. It's so obnoxious the level of spending of money we don't have, it's like a drunken sailor out here," said Buyer.

Buyer said he's not sure what he'll do when he leaves office in January but he appears to be clear on who he's prefer to succeed him: his staff member and current State Senator Brandt Hershman.

"He's the Whip of the Indiana Senate. He's developed his own relationships, too. There's no missing a beat. For anyone else, even Todd Rokita, steep learning curve," said Buyer.

The lafayette delegation met next with Indiana's junior senator, Evan Bayh (D), though WLFI was not allowed inside the meeting. Bayh's term also ends in January, but Bayh said he's still a relevant voice for local interests.

"I'm still a member of the senate for the next ten months and I can still work effectively on their behalf. My vote is still important around here and people will still listen to me and in some ways I can be a more effective advocate because the folks here know I'm not just doing it for political reasons, I'm doing it because I think it's the right thing to do," said Bayh.