PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) – Democrats need to reach out to voters of all parties and persuade them of the left’s strengths on national security, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh told a gathering of young Democrats on Sunday.

“The truth of the matter is they (Republicans) have been a heck of a lot better at national security politics than national security policy,” said Bayh, who is exploring a possible run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“We need to take this issue and win on this issue,” he said.

But Bayh also said partisan politics have broken the Senate, and Democrats must find common ground with Republicans.

He also talked about the economy, saying making it easier for small businesses to provide health insurance is key to growth. And he was critical of President Bush’s fiscal policies, faulting him for never vetoing a spending measure.

“Sometimes Congress needs adult supervision,” he said. “Under this president the children have been home alone.”