* 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.