Chose not to run in the 2006 presidential election because of family reasons. However, Former White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry suspects it is because he does not want to run against Republican Arnold Vinick.
Despite earlier statement, he announced presidential candidacy during the Democratic National Convention and almost won the Democratic nomination. However, Democratic rival and Vice-President Bob Russell revealed to the press that Baker's wife, Dorothy "Dottie" Baker, suffers from Clinical Depression, something which Baker did not disclose to voters.
Lost Democratic Nomination for President to Texas congressman, Matt Santos.
When Santos' Vice-President elect, Leo McGarry, dies of a massive heart attack on election night.......