Who said good policy doesn't -- sometimes -- make for good politics?

Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), who is "considering" (wink, wink) a presidential bid in 2008, got a very nice boost Monday when a group of Iowa state legislators introduced an education plan based on the "21st Century Scholars" program Bayh shepherded to passage during his tenure as Indiana governor.

Introduced by state Rep. Janet Petersen (D) and state Sen. Jeff Danielson (D), the plan would ask 7th and 8th grade students either living below the poverty line or in foster homes to sign a pledge vowing to remain crime, drug and tobacco free, and maintain a "C" average throughout high school.