A potential presidential candidate visited Ames on Thursday night to campaign for local Democrats.

After thanking multiple people at the fundraiser, U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., explained he would not announce his final decision to run until next November or December, but added that he was seriously considering it.

Bayh said he will not let the public know about his intentions to run for president until after the mid-term elections are over, saying “it’s appropriate [to wait].”

Tim Baker, senior in architecture, said he came partly because he is a member of the ISU Democrats, but also to see Bayh and Iowa Rep. Lisa Heddens, D-Ames.

“I try to stay active with some of the events in Ames,” Baker said.

Although Bayh made no mention of running during his speech, Baker said he expects Bayh to run for the Democratic nomination.

“I think when he makes it to Ames, it’s a pretty clear indication,” Baker said.

Addressing a room of roughly 60 elected officials, Story County Democrats and supporters of Heddens, Bayh thanked them for their hospitality and urged them to donate to Heddens’ re-election campaign.

“You’ve been very generous,” he said.

He highlighted several of her accomplishments during her years in the House of Representatives, including a bill supporting the mentally disabled.

“She’s an extraordinary person,” Bayh said.

Heddens said she asked Bayh to come from Indiana to help fundraise and speak because of their shared ideals.

After meeting Bayh for the first time several years ago when he spoke at Reiman Gardens, Heddens said he struck a chord with her.

“So, over the years I’ve kept my eye on you,” she said to Bayh.

Some of his own accomplishments Bayh highlighted was his “21st Century Scholars” program, which has allowed 120,000 “less than fortunate” kids to receive reduced or free lunches. He said students who participate also receive a full ride scholarship to any public university provided they sign a contract stating they will graduate and not participate in any drug activity. The funds can also be transferred to other universities such as Notre Dame if the students requests them to be, he said.

As a result, he said Indiana’s higher education has risen from 40th in the nation to ninth.

The event was hosted by Eric Fralick and Nikki Bado-Fralick.