Question of the day
Monday, Sep 10, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* US Sen. Dick Durbin talked to the Tribune about another term…
“In the Senate, it’s not a two-year decision like the House. It’s an eight-year decision. It’s a two-year campaign and six-year term,” Durbin said Thursday after addressing the Illinois delegation to Obama’s renominating convention. “Are you ready to engage and commit for eight years of your life? I love these six-year terms, but it also calls for a little more thought, patience, before you make the decision.”
As for now, Durbin says simply, “I’m planning to run for re-election but I’ll make my final decision next year.” He’s also quick to add, “I love this business and I love this state and I’ll match my schedule with any elected official in our state. I cover it from one end to the other every time I get home. I draw energy from it.” […]
If Durbin does stand for re-election, he would be just a few weeks shy of turning 70 on Election Day 2014. Saying he found out that “when you reach age 60, you don’t have to go to hell,” he recently dropped about 20 pounds. The weight loss came after reading a book aimed at staving off the effects of aging. He met one of its authors during a Bears game at Soldier Field.
Two years ago the senator suffered a health scare and underwent surgery for the removal of a small gastrointestinal stromal tumor from his stomach. A biopsy later determined that it had no cancer cells, his office said.
“I feel good. I’m healthy,” Durbin said. “The rumors just fly when you’ve reached my stage of life. ‘Oh, he went in for surgery two years ago.’ Everything turned out perfectly. I couldn’t ask for a better result.”
* The Question: Should Sen. Durbin run for another term? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.
- East Sider - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 11:47 am:
It’s time for some new blood. I’m tired of DC politicians becoming like Supreme Court Justices with lifetime terms. There are several up and coming younger people in both parties who could serve this state well.
- Montrose - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 11:53 am:
If he is up for another term, then he should run. Folks should decide whether or not he is doing a good job representing them based on his body of work, not his age. I, personally, want him there for many more years.
- WazUp - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 11:55 am:
I’m sure he could get re-elected in Illinois..he only needs to win three counties!
- NW Illinois - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 11:56 am:
Great Senator for downstate and for the entire state.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 11:57 am:
Yes, Illinois needs Durbin’s brand of common sense leadership in DC. Nobody works harder, no Senator is more down-to-earth, and having him as the second ranking Democrat in the Senate is critical for Illinois, which sends more money to DC than we’ll ever get back.
The Senate is all about influence, and Durbin is very influential in DC. You wouldn’t know it if you see him riding a bus in Chicago, but he can count votes and pull the caucus together and those skills will be more critical if the GOP takes the Senate in November.
- Skeeter - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 11:59 am:
Yes, he’s been an effective senator. Easy choice.
- BMAN - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:00 pm:
Bring in new blood. Durbin is too partisan and a key factor why there are all these stalemates.
- Apple - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:02 pm:
Durbin is one of the few remaining true statesmen. I believe — and sure hope — he has at least one more term left in him.
- Ahoy! - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:03 pm:
Yes, 7 is young in the Senate and he’s good for Illinois.
- Sideliner - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:04 pm:
Time to try someone else.
- Crime Fighter - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:08 pm:
I agree with the 47th regarding Senator Durbin. Additionally I’ve worked with his staff and they have been very helpful and professional. Durbin’s detractors are the same people who believe in trickle-down, Iraq WMD, war-time tax cuts, and other myth-based public policy. Senator Durbin has been an intelligent and ethical alternative to the the trend of dishonesty and willful ignornance in public policy.
- Irish - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:09 pm:
So when is the hiatus from working that makes it an eight year decision? Or is it a six year decision with the last two years of elected office holding spent campaigning for the next six years. His math is a little fuzzy.
- Matt Penning - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:10 pm:
Yes, he should run. As stated above, he’s a stateman, willing to compromise, and a hard worker that represents all of the people, not just 3 counties.
- foster brooks - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:11 pm:
Time for some new blood .his screw up with Roland Burris and the get George out of jail campaign proves he’s out of touch
- Esquire - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:11 pm:
Too much of a partisan for my liking. I would like to see someone new.
- Downstate Dem - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:15 pm:
He is good for Southern Illinois and a native. He should run
- langhorne - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:16 pm:
i voted no, solely out of consideration for his personal situation. 70 is a good time to walk away, when it is your choice, and you can still get off the porch. travel and have some fun.
political families have the occasional perk, but they also have the burden of separations, campaigning, detractors, etc. walk away on your own terms. (tho i must say, i like durbin best when he is in the minority)
- Chevy owner/Ford County - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:18 pm:
He should and he will. He will be the next majority leader (Reid will not run again) and that is a position he has longed for.
- Lakeview - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:22 pm:
I like Durbin - a lot - but we could use new blood in the Senate. He can’t be Illinois’ only senator all the time! However, if he does one of these cutesy retiring-immediately-after-winning-the-primaries gags so beloved of Illinois politicians, I will lose all respect for him. Run, or don’t run, but stop playing games with democracy.
- OldSmoky2 - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:24 pm:
Durbin has become one of the more effective members of the Senate. As for the partisan charges, yes, he is a Democrat - on the other hand, he’s been very good at reaching across the aisle and finding consensus with Republican senators who are willing to support bipartisan solutions. Witness how he has worked with Sen. Kirk to keep partisanship out of the mix on a number of issues important to Illinois. In an era when it’s become very difficult to find legislators who understand that concept, Durbin really stands out as an example of how the Senate ought to work, He’s good for the country and one of Illinois’ biggest assets.
- wordslinger - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:26 pm:
Yes, you don’t give up a state’s clout if you don’t have to. You’d have to be a blind man not to see the extra money and projects that guys like Durbin, Hastert and Rosty have brought to the state.
Why should it all go south and west?
- Tommydanger - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:28 pm:
Yes, his leadership position as the Majority Whip can only be good for Illinois.
- STP - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:29 pm:
He should - he is one of a few rays of brightness in Illinois elected officials
- Newsclown - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:30 pm:
Slam-dunk “yes” to another term: I like him, he’s good at the job, and his high ranking brings our state prestige and power. That said, I think his next term should also be his last, and that once he gets re-elected, he concentrates all his energy on finishing off his punch list of state and federal goals to complete. And he he should be helping the next new blood get ready to replace him. One of the republican’s weaknesses has been that they cling to power too hard and too long, leaving no “bench” of ready replacements for their team.
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:37 pm:
He’s a class act, and we need to keep him working for us as long as we can. If you’ve met him and spoken with him, you know he is someone who pays attention to the voters and does his best to represent our interests.
- PQ's Primary Opponent - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:50 pm:
he has become part of the institutional problems in DC.
- mokenavince - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:54 pm:
He’s hardly a flaming liberal,I would vote for him
as long as Republicans are supporting Norquist type candidates.I like candidates who can think
for themselves.
- Curious - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:55 pm:
what is the title of the book he read. Sounds like one we should all read.
- Loop Lady - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:56 pm:
I have mixed feelings on this QOTD. The clout he has benefits all Illinoians, but is he part of the problem in DC being a career politician? At minimun, I would like him to stick around if Obama wins a second term to do some heavy lifting in the Senate. Who is on the radar as a replacement for him?
- John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 12:59 pm:
He should run again and lose.
We need new blood in office.
- zatoichi - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 1:01 pm:
No reason not to run. New blood is fine but so is influence and Durbin has that. He represents the state well. When on TV he makes sense and seems to be willing to find compromises that work. I have met him several times and seems like a decent guy who wants to listen to people.
- Logic not emotion - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 1:08 pm:
Having the seniority is a huge advantage and he has some great staff members; but he is far too partisan and concerned about politics rather than Illinois and America’s long-term well being. My only concern if he were to not run is that he might be replaced by someone worse. In most states, I might dismiss that concern as unlikley; but this is Illinois.
- downstate commissioner - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 1:10 pm:
Since he is known to be a vocal anti-gun leader, I will pass on whether he should run again; I generally support most of his positions, but that one is kind of a no-vote for me.
- GreatPlainser - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 1:11 pm:
I vote that he should run. While I do not support him I think he has another term waiting all he has to do is file. But if I were him I might reconsider my position. I’m Majority WHIP, from the President’s home state even assuming Obama reelection I’ve probably only got 5 more years of being able to be as effective as I could be. The long term geography of the Senate looks to trend to the GOP so life after Obama (2017) and in the minority just doesn’t sound appealing. My money is Dick has one more term in him. Again while I do not support him it has been interesting to have one elected official at the top of the state ticket who seems to be honest and not a complete fool.
- Anon - amiss - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 1:15 pm:
For those of you wishing for new blood: Be careful for what you wish for.
- Bemused - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 1:24 pm:
Tough question for me. I am not a huge Durbin fan. I feel he has been on the wrong side of some big issues, NAFTA comes to mind. On a personal note I felt his office dropped the ball on an issue they were supposed to look into for me.
Having said all that I do understand the real world. Where he is at and what he can do for this state trumps the above. I had to go with yes.
- Homer - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 1:37 pm:
Step down and draw your federal retirement. Big Dollars!!!!!
- Pandora - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 2:00 pm:
Durbin is effective for the country, and effective for Illinois. His experience shouldn’t be likely discarded.
- Ray del Camino - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 2:00 pm:
“New blood” for the sake of new blood doesn’t make any sense to me. Hard to name a smarter, harder-working, more effective Senator anywhere in the US.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 2:27 pm:
Who wants a 70 year old senator how says he’s a New Deal Democrat? Freak. How about someone living in this century?
He’s older than the status quo.
- Lifetime Dem - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 2:34 pm:
He’s been an embarrassment to the state, attacking FBI agents in Iraq when they did everything by the book (oh he confused them wtih CIA contract employees) then crying his apology on the Senate floor. Time for anyone, anyone else to replace him.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 2:36 pm:
VMan,
After he’s elected to two more terms, he’ll only be in his early 80s. Is that long enough for your party to find someone who could actually beat him in an election? Of course the GOP wants Durbin to step down. They will never be able to beat him.
- Chicago Mom - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 2:39 pm:
Illinoisans would be nuts not to encourage Durbin to run again. He’s personally and professionally close to the President. How can that be a bad thing for Illinois?
The “new blood” theory applied gets you politicians like Joe Walsh. Oy
- Niles Township - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 2:40 pm:
Let Durin ride into the sunset of retirement; Ship Quinn off to the Senate as his replacement (Quinn is miscast in an exective role, but I could see him being a decent senator); and get someone, anyone new in as governor.
- Chicago Mom - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 2:50 pm:
Just a little empirical data which supports another run for Durbin…
As of September 9, 2012, 4 senators are in their 80s, 23 are in their 70s, 36 are in their 60s, 29 are in their 50s, and 8 are in their 40s.
- Cheryl44 - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 2:53 pm:
He should run if he decides that what he wants to do. He’ll have my vote for as long as he wants it.
- walkinfool - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 3:12 pm:
Yes, he acts and thinks young. He’s a smart and caring man. Among all the congresssional staff, from both parties in Illinois, his constituent service is the best at dealing with really tough individual problems, in my experience.
- Because I say so... - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 3:17 pm:
I certainly hope he decides to run again. He is one of the best and we are lucky to have him serving Illinois. I have tremendous respect for him.
If Obama gets re-elected, Durbin could get offered a cabinet position.
- Homer - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 3:20 pm:
How can his personal relationship benefit Illinois? After 3.5 years this country is not better than 4 years ago including IL !!!!!!!!!!!!
- Homer - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 3:24 pm:
How about naming him Secretary of Defense. I’m sure our fighting women and men would support that move.
- Chicago Mom - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 3:34 pm:
I could launch into an exposition on the Wall Street fueled recession, the Bush tax cuts, and the cost of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, but I have a sneaking suspicion that no amount of facts will alter closed minds.
- olddog - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 3:55 pm:
Yes. He’s an effective advocate for Illinois.
Durbin has a partisan leadership post, so, yes, he can be partisan. But the way things have been going in Washington the last 10 or 15 years, whoever replaces him will probably be a lot more partisan than he is.
- the Other Anonymous - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 3:56 pm:
Two words: majority leader.
- Emily Booth - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 5:34 pm:
Voting for Senator Durbin is one of the few votes I have not regretted. I hope he runs again.
- anon sequitor - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 5:34 pm:
Echo: Majority Leader
Need I say more?
- Sunshine - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 5:44 pm:
Sure would like to see a list of all he has done? Not just for Illinois but for the nation.
With his tenure he should be leading and not following guys like Schumer. I think Durbin is weak and ineffective. we need new blood and new energy.
- RNUG - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 6:49 pm:
No … because I have never voted for him.
- Jack - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 7:54 pm:
I voted no. He doesn’t seem too interested in what is best for Illinois. He seems to spend most of his time defending the President.
- Hickory - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 8:17 pm:
16 trillion in debt, educational system doing poorly in comparison to many other countries, has not voted on a budget in 3 years, and you tell me you want him for another six years. People, we need to get to the nut cutting.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 9:59 pm:
Please. Not being keen about Old Man Durbin doesn’t make me a Republican, it makes me normal.
- anon - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 10:12 pm:
Way to bring out the trolls
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Monday, Sep 10, 12 @ 10:29 pm:
=== There are several up and coming younger people in both parties who could serve this state well. ===
Then let them run, East Sider. Democrat or Republican.
If they’ve got the right stuff, let them prove it on the campaign trail.
I think Durbin’s not just one of the best Senators in the country, but probably has one of the best constituent service records in Illinois. Paul Simon must be proud.
So, if they’re smart, they’ll wait it out another two years and run against Kirk.
- Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Sep 11, 12 @ 7:49 am:
Excellent constituent service, able leadership on legislation, and a voice in caucus leadership? If he’s willing, I would love to see him run again.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 11, 12 @ 8:40 am:
–Who wants a 70 year old senator how says he’s a New Deal Democrat? Freak. How about someone living in this century?–
VMan, among the many groups of people you don’t like, those who are older than you seem to rank at the the top.
I’m curious: how old are you, kid? Got some game? Are you a risk-taking entrepreneur, busting your hump to build something?
Or are you just a life-long victim, taking the easy way provided by those who came before you, with no interest in leaving it better than you found it?
- Conservative Veteran - Tuesday, Sep 11, 12 @ 9:31 am:
I voted no because 18 years is long enough for anyone to be a U.S. senator. I hope that Congressman Roskam will run for the U.S. Senate.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Sep 11, 12 @ 9:41 am:
You kid.
The point isn’t age, it is his mental obsolescence. This self-admitted “New Deal Democrat” belongs in the Senate in the year 2020 about as much as carbon paper and the telegram.
There are seniors that don’t pine for FDR anymore. There are oldsters who don’t fight for broken-down 1936 government programs. There are 70 year old people who understand that being progressive doesn’t mean fighting against reforms in the 21st Century.
It isn’t about age. You, yourself are not ready for retirement, but you stand ready to knock down anything that challenges the broken status quo. You think like a 90 year old man politically and are far more conservative than most folks wearing 1776 tricorn hats at Tea Party rallies.
You would rather spout out what you professors taught you back in 1985, than rethink why their take on governments, economics and reality has never come to pass, never solve a problem, or cannot work in the future.
Like Obama, your ability to patronize your college professors gives you a false confidence we get to read about everyday here on this blog.
Your take on issues is a bore. You merely remind the rest of us why we disliked the apple polisher who kissed our professor’s butt. Your contributions to our conversations here seem to only serve you with a platform to keep others in line or to keep a conversation from becoming too interesting.
You are a witty geezer, a young fogey, a self-annointed know-it-all who hangs like a vulture over this blog like it’s yours.
For everyone who has had to endure your snotty comments and dull comments, I say in the words of Illinois’ Great One: Bite me.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 11, 12 @ 10:19 am:
VMan, that’s about as thoughtful and prescient as anything you’ve even written.
I’m sorry your brilliance wasn’t recognized in college. But hey, you can still go to the library and pick up a book every now and again. Never too old to learn. Turn off the cable first, though.
The world needs risk-taking, private-sector go-getters like you. Leave it better than you found it, kid.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 11, 12 @ 10:39 am:
–The point isn’t age, it is his mental obsolescence.–
By the way, kid, if you bother to read your own post (not that I’m encouraging that, for anyone) but you stated that someone who is 70 is a “freak.”
Dude, I would be thrilled to know what you’ve accomplished in life that rationalizes your many bigotries.