Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), whose endorsement was critical to Clinton’s win in the Hoosier State, said he spoke with Clinton Wednesday and argued that the ongoing race is helping energize the party’s base. He added that he has not offered Clinton any advice and supports her decision to continue. “It helped our party in Indiana. We had four times the previous 20-year record turnout,” Bayh said. “Thousands and thousands of more volunteers. Thousands and thousands of more contributions. There’s no doubt in my mind it helped the Democratic Party in Indiana. Plus, I’m a democrat with a small ‘d’ and I think people ought to have the right to vote.” Meantime, a prominent Obama supporter said Clinton would become a target of criticism from many in the party if she prolonged the race. House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), who led the defense of former President Bill Clinton during his impeachment, said Sen. Clinton should quit the campaign. “Bill and Hillary Clinton can become genuine American leaders by ending this in a way that reflects positively on them,” said Conyers, adding that if the former first lady remains in the race, criticism will mount. Conyers said he is trying to get Clinton to bow out, but declined to reveal details. The lawmaker’s stance is significant because he is the second most senior member of the Michigan delegation and has led the effort to have party officials recognize Michigan’s primary results. His call for Clinton to end her campaign undermines her position that she will not get out of the race until delegates from the two states are counted. No delegates were awarded in the contests because the states had moved their primaries too far up on the calendar, violating DNC rules. Bob Cusack contributed to this report.
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