Fox News has tapped a moderate Democrat to serve as an analyst leading up to the 2012 presidential election, reports the Los Angeles Times’ ShowTracker blog.

The network has hired former Indiana senator Evan Bayh as a political commentator. The appointment comes after Fox News recently split with Republicans Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum because both of those politicians are exploring presidential runs, the article notes.

Bayh retired from the U.S. Senate in January and will contribute to Fox News’ media platforms, the story adds.