Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Durbin’s back to the future?

Posted in:

Illinois

Questions about whether U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin would run for governor in 2018 bubbled up at the Democratic Party convention this week.

“It’s a question about where I can best spend my life. Where can I achieve the goals that I want in public life? If I can do it in Washington and I feel I can be more effective there, of course that’s where I’ll stay,” Durbin told the Daily Herald about a potential run for governor — back in 2000.

He would go on to win re-election in 2002.

“I won’t make the final decision for some time now,” he said at the 2000 convention in comments that reflect what he’s said this week. “I want to focus on this election campaign first.”

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jul 28, 16 @ 4:37 pm

Comments

Durbin is showing a consistent thoughtfulness and deference to the POTUS election at hand, while keeping his own name relevant to the discussion.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jul 28, 16 @ 4:46 pm
Taking Durbin at his word, I can draw two conclusions based on the above:

-He’s been thinking about running for Governor for some time, that this isn’t a recent flirtation.

-He’s tossing his name into the ring to discourage other potential candidates from getting any traction.

They’re not mutually exclusive, but I’m kind of cynical. The idea of Governor Durbin is very appealing to me, almost to the point of wishful thinking.

I’d like to see him do it, especially knowing that he wouldn’t lose his Senate seat if he lost a bid for Governor.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jul 28, 16 @ 4:46 pm
Being Governor would be 1,000 times harder than what he does now. At his age, I would be shocked if he runs for guv.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 28, 16 @ 5:11 pm
Running for Gov would be a big challenge (against the incumbent) but getting the government to a better place, would be an enormous job.
And, a big risk because what if he wasn’t successful? He knows where he stands in the Senate and what he needs to do to remain distinguished and successful. He’s a proven leader there.

Comment by Belle Thursday, Jul 28, 16 @ 5:26 pm
Don’t forget that Durbin has never been the “chief executive” of any governmental body. He really hasn’t “owned” any job being in the House and Senate.

As governor, he’d “own” the tax increases and financial problems, as OW is so fond of saying about Rauner.

The “buck” has never stopped at Durbin’s door, except the folding kind.

Why would anyone think he could provide responsible and effective fiscal and policy leadership as “the guy”?

His voting record in the House and Senate surely doesn’t indicate he can effectively manage a budget or make tough choices on spending or taxation.

I hate to say this, but I think Preckwinkle would be a far more effective governor than Durbin. she’s dealt with budget issues pretty effectively for a Chicago Democrat.

Given the choice between the two, I’d have a lot more confidence in Preckwinkle than Durbin.

Comment by Illinois Bob Thursday, Jul 28, 16 @ 5:46 pm
We certainly don’t need a bloviator in chief

Comment by Sue Thursday, Jul 28, 16 @ 6:16 pm
do nothing Durbin is just another democrat loading his pockets. He was tooting his horn about the poor kids that got ripped off by Everest University.Corinthian and never did a thing for those kids, no make me feel important placue for the wall he’s not interested in helping

Comment by rickyticky Thursday, Jul 28, 16 @ 9:47 pm
I think DD would make a great governor and in his words I see the possibility that he might run. I hope he does.

Comment by Politix Friday, Jul 29, 16 @ 8:15 am