51 Comments » - vern - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 12:58 pm: No. The past month has pretty definitively proven that voters will take a better view of the Democratic Party if the most senior leaders step aside at an appropriate retirement age. Illinois has many Democrats who would be wonderful senators for decades to come. It’s time for a new generation of Senators to start building influence and seniority. - McGuppin - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:03 pm: YES. Presuming his health is good and he still has the fire in his belly, he absolutely should. He’s a great asset to this state. Plus, wouldn’t it be great to see all the circling buzzards retreat to their Congressional nests? - Island Girl - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:05 pm: No. Know when to say when. - Arsenal - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:06 pm: He *should* not. 1) He’s out of step with his party, but in terms of ideology and operations; 2) His team, especially in state, is spent; 3) He sure seems like his age is affecting his outcomes; 4) Voters are probably more apt to punish age now; 5) There’s a lot of younger talent in IL and they need a lane to move up. - Moe Berg - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:08 pm: For the last year, at least, Sen. Durbin has neither sounded nor looked particularly hale. He clearly does not have the energy needed to prosecute his duties. There is a very deep bench of Democrats ready to step up and take his place. He’s had a great career and should pass on the baton to the next generation. - 47th Ward - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:08 pm: Yes. I know he rubs a lot of people the wrong way, but I’ve always found him to be a genuinely decent person. He works hard at his job, he pays attention to details back home, and he’s picked some regrettable fights. But overall, I like him and I think he’s a model for what a Senator from Illinois should be: a left-leaning moderate. He’s not flashy nor is he an attention-seeker. He just goes to work everyday and I think he thinks he has the best job in the world. He certainly acts like he’s enjoying it. - Back to the Mountains - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:13 pm: It depends on which perspective you view it from. If from the average Illinoisian, then likely yes. He’s spent decades establishing seniority in the one chamber where the tides rise and fall on seniority. From his perspective, it depends on how he wants to be remembered. The best batters know when not to swing. Demonstrating his understanding of that concept on the way out the door is one of the better ways to end an exceptional career. - Proud Papa Bear - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:15 pm: No. Better to leave one term early than to stay one term too long. He can honorably pass the torch to the next generation. - Succinctly Superfluous - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:18 pm: Yes. Seniority has its advantages. Especially in the US Senate. He’s one of the closest allies to Senate Majority Leader Schumer. Most likely to to take over if Senator Schumer stepped aside. Durbin also does really well with the electorate and has a positive influence on down-ballot races. A new candidate does the opposite of these things for Illinois as a Senator and a hyper-partisan could primary could suppress votes in local elections. Run Dick Run! - NIU Grad - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:22 pm: Although I agree with 47th Ward, I think it’s time to inject energy into both the national and state Democratic Party by adding another “fresh face” from Illinois. Note that a new Senator doesn’t just mean a new senior political figure for the state: It also helps party-building. A new Senator brings new staffers and volunteers onto a new statewide campaign, as well as for the replacement election for whoever ends up winning the spot. The DPI has changed so much over the post-Madigan era because it’s acting like a party. The race to replace Durbin has the potential to keep that momentum going (unless it ends up like the SoS race, where all the players unite behind one person…). - KaneEtown - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:30 pm: It’s time to pass on the torch. - Politix - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:30 pm: It will depend on the next election. Pro-democracy representatives with clout and experience will be absolutely vital if the unthinkable happens on Nov. 5. - Rich Miller - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:37 pm: ===a hyper-partisan could primary could suppress votes in local elections=== So, Senator for life? I mean, even then, the primary’s gonna happen one day. - Guzzlepot - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:40 pm: I genuinely don’t know. Before June I would have taken the candidate and party leaders at their word that the candidate is physically capable of doing the job for six more years. Post June debate I need more proof. I am not sure what that proof is, but I sure as heck not taking it on the candidate’s and Party’s word alone. - Larry Bowa Jr. - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:40 pm: “Pro-democracy representatives with clout and experience will be absolutely vital if the unthinkable happens on Nov. 5.” And Durbin’s going to marshal all that experience and ‘clout’ to do what exactly? Expedite the appointment of more fascists to the federal judiciary? He’s certainly not going to make anyone uncomfortable about their extrajudicial power grabs, because that would be indecorous. Anyway I vote no because the guy is a chair warmer in the senate. Let’s get someone in there who actually understands that they represent a solidly Dem state. - Sue - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:41 pm: Since Durban is pushing for term limits at the Court- which isn’t ever going to happen( See Artivle 2 -Section 1 US constitution) perhaps Durbin should take his own medicine and as they say practice what he preaches - cermak_rd - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:41 pm: I think he might enjoy life more as a retired senator than an active one. He could develop interests that he hasn’t had time for. And I remember Strom toward the end of his career, almost un-understandable. As was stated, better a term to early than a term too late. - clec dcn - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:47 pm: No he needs to give it up. He does not need the money it would only be for power. I hope so because I am not fan of his policies. He is either in great shape to do the job or it is not that demanding at his age. - Lincoln Lad - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:54 pm: Retire from the Senate, accept an ambassadorship. He’d be happier and the torch is passed to someone more energetic to carry the fight. - RNUG - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:54 pm: No, but that’s just because I’m no fan of his - @misterjayem - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:57 pm: By my count, Sen. Durbin has served with seven other people in the Illinois Senate delegation. I think he shouldn’t run again for several reasons, but it’s time for new blood is very high on the list. – MrJM - Unionman - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:59 pm: Whether you agree with his politics or not, Durbin is genuinely a good person. He definitely means well (especially keeping his mouth shut on cubs/cards issues). That being said, politics as a whole needs new younger leadership. Its one thing to worry about our political leaders dying in office from a sudden heart attack. Its completely different from them dying of old age. They should get out and enjoy the fruits of their labor when they still have the vitality to enjoy watching the world they helped create. - Succinctly Superfluous - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 1:59 pm: ==So, Senator for life? I mean, even then, the primary’s gonna happen one day.== Maybe. Maybe not. Sometimes elected retire during their term and an appointment is made. Negotiations in the party occur and most can agree to. Good examples: VP Kamala Harris and State Senator Doris Turner - Lurker - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:00 pm: No. I’ve talked to him a few times over the last year. He is simply getting too old and I think he needs to concentrate on himself and his family. Additionally, I think voters are getting tired of all these old people not willing to let go. - FIREDup! - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:02 pm: I ran into the Senator at a Springfield restaurant recently. I’ve known him 20 years and he couldn’t figure out who I was. It’s a hard no from me, and I love the guy. - Cool Papa Bell - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:05 pm: =For the last year, at least, Sen. Durbin has neither sounded nor looked particularly hale= Totally agree. I believe he is currently still up for the job, I don’t think he would be halfway though the next term. He’s been an excellent senator. He would be missed if the Democrats hold power in the Senate on the Judiciary Committee. But I think the electorate is tiring of 80 year old candidates. I think Trump’s age is even going to be an issue. I will miss having a senator from Springfield. - thunderspirit - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:06 pm: No, I don’t think he should. Reasons: Diane Feinstein, Robert Byrd, Strom Thurmond, Chuck Grassley… - ZC - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:11 pm: No idea, it really depends. He would be about 87 when he finished his next term. That’s nowhere clear to where Strom was (100). It is pretty close however to Feinstein’s age when she died (90), and that was unfortunate. People just age differently in their 80s. And he could always step down early. Run if you want to, Dick, but learn from Joe Biden and be realistic about how you’re feeling these days. - Rudy’s teeth - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:12 pm: Sen. Durbin’s leadership and voice are valuable assets in the Senate. As the country faces another election for president, the country needs stability and reason rather than chaos and turmoil. Durbin’s decision might be affected by the outcome of the presidential election. A candidate waiting in the wings would be perennial candidate Darren Bailey. Hearing Bailey’s voice and seeing those teeth in commercials is an affront to one’s sanity. - Keyrock - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:23 pm: No. I’ve been a longtime fan, but he’s failed to fulfill his role as Senate Judiciary chair the past few years. While he’s done an admirable job confirming judges, that’s just about all he’s done. From at least the time the House was lost in 2021, he should have been actively pursuing investigations of unanswered questions about the various crimes and scandals of the Trump Administration’s Justice Department. He also should have been running prominent hearings on the ethics issues at the Supreme Court, and possible Supreme Court-related legislation. The Democrats needed a Judiciary chair who could raise important issues in the public square, to help pave the way for campaign issues and future legislation. For all his admirable qualities and achievements, Sen. Durbin has not filled that role. I hope he recognizes that it’s time for others to take his place. - Save Ferris - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:32 pm: Time to go. But just make sure the replacement isn’t Alexi. - JS Mill - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:34 pm: No. It is past time for the boomers to let go. He has lost a step and we need someone with real energy for the battles ahead. - Phineas - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:37 pm: He should but he won’t. The value of his seniority on Appropriations, in particular, is massive to the state. But I think he’s probably ready to hang up his spikes, and he doesn’t want to go out like Strom or DiFi. - Candy Dogood - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:38 pm: No. Senator Durbin’s legacy shouldn’t be punchlines about his age or discussions about whether or not he is capable to do his job. He is 79 years old. He’s earned some kind of retirement and there is a lot of good that an elder statesman can do in the world. If he thinks he should run for another term, I think he owes the people of Illinois an explanation as to why he is the only one who can accomplish whatever it is he thinks he needs another term to accomplish. === Most likely to to take over if Senator Schumer stepped aside=== At 73 years old Senator Schumer is a spring chicken by comparison. Political posturing or gamesmanship that depends on the retirement or disinterest of someone significantly younger should probably be avoided. ===But just make sure the replacement isn’t Alexi. === History shows Alexi does a pretty good job of making sure he’s not a US Senator all by himself. - charles in charge - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:40 pm: No. He’s served Illinois well for many years, but others are equally capable of representing the state well in the Senate if given the opportunity. Personally I’d like to see someone more progressive, but more than that I don’t want to see Durbin become the latest example of a long-serving government official who wouldn’t let go of power until it was too late. - Apple - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:41 pm: He should not run. It’s time for generational change, and the Vallas endorsment left a very sour taste in my mouth. - Benjamin - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:44 pm: No. Durbin is an effective senator but not an irreplaceable one. He’s not Sherrod Brown, who can’t retire because he’s the last Democrat who might win statewide office in an increasingly red state. He’ll be replaced one way sooner or later; best to start by elevating the profile of a chosen successor over the next few years. - The past two weeks - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:49 pm: The past two weeks have shown us why he should not run. Let’s give someone younger a chance. - Frida’s boss - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:58 pm: Depends on who wins - charles in charge - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 2:59 pm: ==the Vallas endorsment left a very sour taste in my mouth== Indeed. If he had concerns about Johnson then he could have just not endorsed, but giving the nod to Vallas was a huge red flag. - Joe Biden Playing Golf - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 3:02 pm: I hope he runs again. Illinois should have at least 1 democrat that isn’t of the progressive left. - Mike Gascoigne - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 3:07 pm: I think Durbin mostly does a good job in the Senate. I have had issues with his handling of the war in Gaza, but it seems like the plight of Palestinians is a difficult situation for many people to empathize with, so I am trying to be understanding of that. But at some point he has to let go. If I were a Senator I would have trouble doing that too. He is a highly tenured member of one of the most important bodies in the world. I get it, it feels good to be at the center of everything. But the government needs people that are at the top of their game, deeply invested and driven to make progress. And I think Durbin is ready to live out his golden years without everybody speculating over his every move. But I have been wrong before. - Proud Sucker - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 3:25 pm: “( See Artivle 2 -Section 1 US constitution)” I don’t quite follow. Art II, Sec 1 outlines the selection, duties and qualifications of the Executive Branch. Congress has always set the number of Justices and their term length for the Supreme Court. That said, I do agree the Sen. Durbin should not run again. - ANON - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 3:26 pm: This democratic congressional delegation is the weakest in decades and have done very little to advance the state’s needs. If Harris wins, he needs to run. Deep bench means someone has to spend years getting necessary seniority to benefit the state. - Norseman - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 3:30 pm: No, for fresh face reason. But let’s hope the fresh face is not from the Bernie left. - Original Rambler - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 3:36 pm: No. Age. Boomers for some reason do not know when to move aside for the following generation. - Pot calling kettle - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 3:59 pm: No. I agree with much of what the “yes” folks have said, but it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation. The Dems have plenty of qualified people ready to go. This term’s freshmen are the senior senators of the future. - Lefty Lefty - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 4:07 pm: I would appreciate him not running again. His age is a major factor, and the anecdotes here confirm that his age is not just a number. My main problem is that he, along with Sen. Schumer and other Democratic leaders in Washington of advanced age with the exception of President Biden, have not “grown up” while in office for decades. The sternly worded letters to the White House during the Gulf War did absolutely nothing. Complaining about Sen. McConnell sitting on President Obama’s Supreme Court pick did nothing. And now he sits as Judiciary chair doing nothing about the politicization of the courts. I thank him for his service and would appreciate some new blood and energy in his seat. - Kippax Blue - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 4:07 pm: Hey Dick, lifelong Dem here, used to stuff right to life envelopes in the early seventies for your wife, that’s how long ago. You have disappointed me time after time recently, especially when you show your weakness as head of the judiciary committee by not exposing the current SC. Time to go. - Anyone Remember - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 4:15 pm: Selfishly, as a Springfield resident, would like to see him stick around until Railroad Relocation is fully funded. He’s been working on that issue since he was a GA staffer 40+ years ago. Then step down and let the Gov. (hopefully JB) can appoint a replacement. - We've never had one before - Monday, Aug 5, 24 @ 5:07 pm: Please, run until you lose, it’s the Illinois Way. Besides, how else will the IL GOP get back the seat? TrackBack URI Uncivil comments, profanity of any kind, rumors and anonymous commenters will not be tolerated and will likely result in banishment. Name/Nickname - Required E-mail - Not required URL - Not required