WHO BENEFITS FROM BAYH'S DEPARTURE?

Evan Bayh's departure from the presidential race is not exactly the akin to the plates shifting under the San Andreas fault, but it could have some effect on the race for the 2008 Democratic presidential race.

The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza says the winners are:

Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsak - One less moderate midwestern governor


Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsak

llinois Sen. Barack Obama - Less competition for midwestern donors

Bayh himself - takes himself out of the race before it starts so as not to damage his Veep chances

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton - she's positioned as a moderate and there's one less competitor now

The losers:

Low-name-recognition candidates with strong resumes. If the resume didn't work for Bayh, it may not work for the others.