* Greg Hinz…

Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin is claiming he has the votes to retain his post as the U.S. Senate’s second-ranking Democrat. […]

Durbin long ago was pushed aside by his former D.C. roommate, New York’s Chuck Schumer, in the contest to succeed Reid as Democratic leader. But there’s been considerable speculation as to whether Schumer or the caucus wanted further change.

A new piece in Politico says that Durbin and Washington’s Patty Murray are still “circling” over the second slot. It says Murray is “refusing to rule out any of her options.”

But Team Durbin sounds awfully confident.

Says spokesman Ben Marter, “Durbin would be honored to continue to serve the caucus, and has the support to do that.”

Bruce Rauner will spend maybe $100 million, even maybe $150 million on his reelection bid. So, the Democrats are gonna need somebody with either very high name recognition (which Durbin has) or lots and lots of money with lots of rich friends. Or somebody with both.

*** UPDATE ***  From the Daily North Shore…

Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Springfield) definitively said he will not be a candidate for governor of Illinois in 2018 against Gov. Bruce Rauner. […]

“I have priorities I want to accomplish in the Senate,” said Durbin. “There are other good people out there. If I take a step back hopefully some of them will emerge and step up.”

One potential gubernatorial candidate Durbin mentioned by name in a DailyNorthShore.com interview was Christopher G. Kennedy of Kenilworth, a former chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

The son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Chris Kennedy is also the chairman of the Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises, Inc., the investment firm of the Kennedy Family, according to Kennedy’s LinkedIn profile.

“I’ve encouraged him to get out there and talk to people around the state,” said Durbin.