*** UPDATE *** From Durbin spokesman Max Gleischman…
“If I had to chase down every blind rumor about Senator Durbin’s future plans, I’d be able to beat Paul Ryan in a marathon.”
He adds…
Senator Durbin said last week at the DNC that he’s planning to run for reelection - Durbin: “I’m planning to run for re-election but I’ll make my final decision next year. 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.”
So, there you go.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* This was apparently the big rumor being passed around by Democratic National Convention attendees…
A top Dem source tells Sneed that U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who has held his post for almost two decades, may be eyeing a Cabinet post as U.S. transportation or labor secretary if President Barack Obama is re-elected.
* I’ve asked the Durbin folks for a comment. But the last time Sneed wrote that Durbin might not run again, back in June, Durbin’s office sent me this…
Rich – Senator Durbin has answered this question a number of times in the last few months and his answer hasn’t changed:
Press Conference – 1.3.12: “My political future? I am exactly halfway through my term. So I have three years before I would be standing for reelection. I have not made any decision on this. If you ask me today, I’d say I’m announcing for reelection. But, at some point I will sit down with my highest counsel of advisors in my life, which would be my wife, and we will make a decision. But I enjoy the job and hope to continue doing it for a long, long time.”
Chicago Tonight – 10.10.11:
Q: Got to talk a little politics here. So, Senator Durbin, I’ve been hearing that in 2014, you’re not going to run again.
Durbin: Well, that’s just plain wrong.
Q: Is it?
Durbin: Where have you been hearing that Carol?
Q: You know, I’ll go back to those people and tell them that.
We’re two-and-half years away from the 2014 election and have five months left in the current campaign. One election at a time.
I’ll let you know if a new comment arrives.
