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Jones jury sends note: ‘At this point, it doesn’t look like the jury can reach a unanimous agreement on Counts 1 and 3′ (Updated)

Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Ope…


More from Seidel

The first: “If the jury is still deliberating at the end of the day Thursday, 4/24, can the jury unanimously decide to not convene on Friday and continue Monday? Or can an exit time on Friday be unanimously agreed for an early exit?”

The second: “At this point, it doesn’t look like the jury can reach a unanimous agreement on Counts 1 and 3. Is there any assistance that can be provided?”

Judge Wood says she’s inclined to let jurors know she’ll respond to them in the morning.

The judge also says the third note is more substantive, so she’s holding off on it for the moment. She’s bringing the jury in to give them her standard end-of-day instruction.

JUST IN: The jury considering the bribery case against Illinois Sen. Emil Jones III signals it may not be able to reach an agreement on two of three counts.

Count 1 is a bribery charge, and Count 3 is lying to the FBI.

Very curious about that third note, which Hannah Meisel reports the judge says is “substantive re: the jury instructions/law.”

Lots of hung juries lately in these corruption trials.

Count 2, by the way, is an alleged “Travel Act” interstate commerce violation.

…Adding… The judge just read the third note…


  9 Comments      


Report: Jan Schakowsky expected to announce retirement next month (Updated x3)

Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Not at all unexpected. Politico

Rep. Jan Schakowsky is planning to announce next month she won’t seek reelection after 14 terms in the House and has started informing allies of her retirement decision, according to two people granted anonymity to describe the private conversations.

The veteran Illinois Democrat, 80, confirmed in a statement that an announcement is forthcoming, though she did not say what it would entail: “I’m going to announce my plans on May 5th. Stay tuned,” she said. Schakowsky’s annual Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch is set for that date in Chicago. […]

Schakowsky’s decision to retire comes as Democrats face an internal reckoning over age and seniority as seasoned lawmakers face primary challengers who are arguing for generational change. On Wednesday, longtime Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, also 80, announced his own retirement. And David Hogg recently sparked a firestorm in the party by saying he’d put millions towards primary challenges to Democrats in safe seats, though he said he wouldn’t back challenges to Schakowsky or former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

…Adding From Rich… The simplistic “analysis” by national reporters bugs me to no end sometimes

…Adding… Politico may have jumped the gun?

…Adding from Rich… Axios

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) has told colleagues she plans to retire rather than seek reelection to a 15th term in Congress, two House Democrats familiar with the matter told Axios.

Yet, she’s still fundraising. Not cool.

  39 Comments      


Transit workers demand safety protections (Updated)

Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Yesterday, members of the Amalgamated Transit Union spoke to the House Transportation Committee about safety. Daily Herald

As CTA workers described harrowing violence on buses and trains, city and suburban lawmakers pledged to help make the transit system safer during a Tuesday state hearing in Springfield. […]

“It’s important that we don’t get stopped by interagency fights,” Moylan said. “We have to get a full-time police force on these systems as soon as possible.” […]

“I’ve witnessed (the system) go from a strong police and undercover presence to nearly none,” said Keith Hill, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241. […]

In the short term, union officials advocated for larger, more robust shields for bus drivers.

Republican state Rep. Brad Stephens of Rosemont, whose district includes Chicago, endorsed that idea and said the status quo was “just insane. It seems unfathomable that somebody’s not taking this a little bit more seriously.”

* Some background from Chicago Magazine

Just as with riders, safety is a chief concern of train operators these days. [Pennie McCoach, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308] says there aren’t enough Chicago Police Department officers working the CTA — fewer than 100 are assigned to the whole system, she said at a recent state senate hearing. One operator, who asked to remain anonymous, told me that since the start of the pandemic, the level of harassment and violence toward frontline CTA employees has escalated. The agency hired more unarmed private security guards in 2022 to supplement CPD efforts, but the operator says those guards have little impact, spending much of their time standing around, looking at their phones. The operator described a recent meeting between CTA employees and an official from the security force. The operator asked why the guards don’t have handcuffs or hold people in custody until CPD officers arrive. The executive responded, “You don’t want one of our guards to get jumped, do you?”

* ATU members told the committee the Chicago Transit Authority spends about $83 million on its private security contract. The CTA board of directors recently approved a $1.2 million contract to expand an AI-powered gun detection surveillance program. Assistant Majority Leader Marcus Evans sharply criticized the private security contract during the hearing…

[Operators] should not be police officers. You all should not be security officers. In addition, the current security contract is a joke. Let’s get rid of that. Let’s have dedicated Transit Police. […]

Other cities are already doing it, don’t let them lie to you. And every Chicago member, I want to see them talking about this, and I’m making a demand. And thank you Chairman Marty Moylan because he’s facilitating these conversations. Y’all gotta speak up. They’re trying to get all this money, give it to the next person to run CTA so they can make $300,000.

The CTA’s transit police force was disbanded in 1979.

* From one operator’s testimony yesterday…

My name is Eric Sylvester, I’ve been with the CTA for 17 years, and fortunately, I’ve never had a dangerous situation until March 13. I was curbing the bus to let people off. And the individuals got off the rear of the bus, one of them came around to the front and shot a young man right at the door. And my shield shattered, it didn’t crumble it shattered. If it wasn’t the fact that I was looking back. There was a bullet hole directly by my head. Meaning if I had been sitting straight up. [I’d be dead.]

Transit operators brought photos to the committee showing injuries and damage to buses and trains caused by violent passengers. Click here to view some of the images—please note that a few are graphic.

* Amalgamated Transit Union 241 President and Business Agent Keith Hill on what immediate changes could help with security issues…

The first thing we can do is close us in, give us a fully enclosed shield [for bus drivers]. They can retrofit the older busses on that. Give us the shield to go all the way in the winter to reduce the objects being thrown, there’s people spitting on us. That’s one of the quickest things we can do. The other quickest thing is the security firm, and they have right now is a joke. […] We ask the police today, even if you see a bus and you stop at the light with us, just roll your window down and say, Hey, is everything okay?

Sometimes the presence is a bigger deterrence than the actual person standing there. Those are two that we can get, which I don’t believe the agencies are partnering well with law enforcement. I’m begging to sit in the room with some of the law enforcement leaders. We can make their job easier when they can make our job easier, just a presence, so a conversation, but the most important thing right away is the shield.

Thoughts?

…Adding… 47th Ward in comments…

There is a bit of a chicken/egg thing going on here. I ride the CTA every day. Pre-COVID, the trains were generally crowded during the day, especially during morning and evening rush. Now, with remote work, trains are less crowded.

It used to be that so many regular commuters made it difficult if not impossible for smokers or other rule breakers to get away with their bad behavior. Now, it seems like the CTA is a rolling mental health shelter, and those bad actors out number the regular commuters.

If more people got back on CTA, fewer people would think it was a safe space for drug use and crime. But because of the drug use and crime, more people are avoiding CTA.

I’d love to tell the idiots to put out the cigarettes and smoke their dope somewhere else, but I don’t want to get stabbed over it. We’re on our own, and that is a major reason the CTA can’t get riders back.

  23 Comments      


Sen. Durbin announces he won’t run for another term (Updated)

Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025 - Posted by Isabel Miller

* Senator Dick Durbin

* The New York Times

In an interview revealing his plans, Mr. Durbin, who is in his fifth Senate term, said it was not an easy choice to step away from his prime perch doing battle with President Trump, whom he considers a dire threat to democracy. He described moments in recent days “where I thought, ‘Man, I don’t want to miss this fight.’”

“But you know,” he continued, “I have to be honest about this. There are good people in the wings, good people on the bench ready to serve, and they can fight this fight just as effectively as I can. There comes a point where you have to face reality that this is the time to leave for me.”

Several Illinois Democrats have indicated an interest in running if the seat opened up and have been readying for a potential candidacy. They include Representatives Lauren Underwood, 38; Raja Krishnamoorthi, 51; and Robin Kelly, 68, along with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is 59.

It is likely to be one of several highly competitive primaries in both parties over the next 18 months, as Democrats embark on an uphill slog to reclaim the Senate majority and Republicans grasp to hang on to it.

…Adding… WBEZ’s Dave McKinney

A major reason for his decision boiled down to one thing: his age. By the time a sixth term would end, Durbin would be 88.

“It’s time,” Illinois’ 80-year-old senior senator said. “You observe your colleagues and watch what happens. For some of them, there’s this miraculous aging process where they never seem to get too old. […]

Durbin has been a frequent and tough critic of Trump’s trade policies, cabinet appointments and dismantling of the federal government through mass layoffs and agency closures.

It’s an opposition role Durbin says he’ll continue to perform during his remaining 20 months in office, a period when he says the future of American democracy is at an “inflection point.” The Trump administration’s flouting of court orders and his attacks on constitutional norms have Durbin uncertain how America’s second fixation with Trump will end.

…Adding… Governor JB Pritzker…

“MK and I want to express our sincere congratulations to Senator Dick Durbin on his retirement and our utmost gratitude for representing the people of Illinois with integrity and honor.

“Throughout his career, Senator Durbin has been a consistent champion and reliable leader for our working families, civil rights, healthcare, climate, and beyond. From first introducing the DREAM Act, to leading the historic confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to bringing in major federal infrastructure projects to our state, Senator Durbin has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of everyday Illinoisans.

“His legacy is defined not just by the legislation he passed, but by the undeniable positive impact his character and moral leadership has had on the nation. Together with his talented wife Loretta who has trained and encouraged so many women who have become successful public servants, Dick remains a clear voice for truth, equality, and justice.

“The people of Illinois should take great pride having a leader like Dick Durbin represent us in the U.S. Senate. I have been proud to be his partner and am even more proud to call him my friend. He will leave some extraordinary shoes to fill – and has given us all an example of courage and righteousness for the work ahead. No doubt we will all celebrate him during his final 20 months in office.

“On behalf of the entire state of Illinois, I want to wish Senator Durbin a peaceful, fulfilling, and family-filled retirement.”

…Adding… Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Lisa Hernandez…

“For four decades in Congress, Senator Dick Durbin has served Illinois with heart, courage, and conviction. He stood with working families. He defended civil rights. He fought for compassionate immigration policy. He helped shape some of the most important legislation of our time—and through it all, he stayed grounded in the values that define our party and our state.”

The Chair continued: “Senator Durbin’s leadership exemplified what it means to be a Democrat in Illinois: principled, compassionate, and unafraid to take on tough fights. His retirement marks the close of an extraordinary chapter. But the work isn’t over. At the Democratic Party of Illinois, we are focused on protecting the progress he helped build and preparing for what comes next. We will organize, mobilize, and fight to keep this seat blue in 2026, and to carry his legacy into the future.”

…Adding… Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton


…Adding… Comptroller Susana Mendoza…

Thank you, Senator Durbin, for 44 years of dedicated service to the people of Illinois and to all Americans as a leader of the U.S. Senate and as a congressman before that. You set a standard that will be hard for others to follow, always leading with kindness and compassion towards the people of this great country. You and Loretta and your family have more than earned a restful retirement. Thank you from all the DREAMers, the veterans, the patriots and those of us who like breathing clean air. We couldn’t have asked for a kinder, humbler, and more effective senator. I know how much you love serving the people of Illinois and all of America and how hard this decision must have been to make. I applaud you for the work you’ve done, your passion and dedication to America, and your selfless decision to pass the torch. We have no doubt that given the historic challenges that lie ahead, we will continue to see you fighting for America in your most important role, that of American citizen. Thank you, Senator Durbin.

…Adding… ILGOP Chairman Kathy Salvi…

“After decades of speeches and zero real progress for Illinois families, Dick Durbin is stepping aside—proof that even the most entrenched eventually find the exit. Illinois families have a long-overdue chance to turn the page and elect a leader who will fight for lower taxes, less government spending, true support for Israel and our national and economic security.”

…Adding… Illinois AFL-CIO…

“Throughout his more than 40 years of public service, Sen. Durbin has been an advocate, a friend and an ally to the working families of Illinois and across this country. His career is defined by standing up for working people and the vulnerable. From his humble roots in East St. Louis to leadership in the nation’s highest legislative body, Sen. Durbin has reflected the best of us. On behalf of Illinois’ labor movement, the Illinois AFL-CIO wishes him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”

…Adding… Congressman Eric Sorensen…

“It has been an honor serving alongside Senator Dick Durbin in Congress. I have long admired his focus on creating jobs in Illinois, bringing down costs for working families, and protecting benefits for veterans and seniors,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “As a dedicated public servant for more than four decades, Senator Durbin has been a strong voice for Illinoisans, ushering into law many historic bills as a long-time leader in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful for the legacy he leaves behind that has helped improve millions of our Illinois neighbors.”

…Adding… Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi…

“Today is a day to celebrate Senator Dick Durbin for his exemplary career of public service as well as the profound and lasting positive impact he’s had on Illinois families and our nation. Known for his legendary work ethic, Senator Durbin has led the fight to expand access to affordable health care, invest in our state’s infrastructure, tackle gun violence, defend Dreamers, improve public health, protect working families, and more. His expert leadership on the Senate Judiciary Committee ensured the confirmation of a record 235 federal judges, shaping the courts and securing our most fundamental American rights for many years to come.

“A champion for everyday families and an unyielding advocate for the underdog, Senator Durbin represents the true meaning of public service. Over the next two years, I know he will continue to fiercely advocate for our state, and I will be honored to fight alongside him as we continue to deliver for Illinois. From one son of downstate to another: Thank you, Senator.”

…Adding… Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski…

“I cannot overstate my admiration for Senator Durbin and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. As a young student at the University of Illinois, I was proud to volunteer for his first Senate campaign in 1996. Ever since, his leadership has been an inspiration not only to me, but countless others in public service.

“His tireless advocacy has brought historic investments to our state — particularly in East St. Louis, Senator Durbin’s hometown. It has been an honor to represent his hometown in Congress and to work alongside him to address the long-standing challenges facing these communities. His residency in Springfield, the home of Lincoln, has allowed us to collaborate on the city’s most critical priorities, including the Springfield Rail Improvement Project. I was proud to work with him to secure the federal funding to make this project a reality. His mentorship has been invaluable and has shaped the leader I strive to be.

“I know this decision was not made lightly. Senator Durbin has led our delegation — and the Senate Democratic caucus — with conviction and principle, especially in defending our democracy during some of its most trying moments. All members of Congress should look to Senator Durbin as a shining example of standing up for what is right and putting the people of your state first.”

…Adding… U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth….

“The first time I met Dick Durbin was just 12 weeks after my shootdown—at a point so early in my recovery that I could barely sit up for any length of time, even in my hospital bed.

“But when Dick looked at me, he saw past the wounds, saw past the wheelchair. He saw a Soldier in search of her next mission. And he recognized well before I did that just because I would no longer be flying Black Hawks for the Army didn’t mean that I couldn’t find a new way to serve my nation.

“It is only because of Dick’s empathy, patience, support and mentorship that I am in the United States Senate today. It has been the honor of a lifetime to get to work alongside a leader who embodies what it means to be a true public servant. Someone who has never, ever stopped speaking out for those who far too often feel voiceless. Someone who has never, ever stopped fighting to hold the special interests in our country accountable. Someone who has never, ever stopped caring enough about our nation to do the hard, grueling work necessary to make her a little more fair, a little more just—one day, one bill, one constituent at a time.

“Dick Durbin is, and will always be, a giant of the United States Senate. He has dedicated his life to making our state—as well as our nation—stronger, and we are all better for it. There are no words to adequately express how grateful I am to call him a friend or how honored I’ve been to call him a mentor. And while I will miss working with him so closely in the Senate, I know he will find a new way to keep serving his country in the years ahead—just as he encouraged a wounded Soldier in a Walter Reed hospital room to do, all those years ago.

“Thank you, my friend. For everything.”

…Adding… House Speaker Chris Welch…

“Senator Dick Durbin’s service to Illinois leaves a legacy that stands alongside some of our finest statesmen. For more than 40 years, people have counted on Dick Durbin to be our leading voice in Washington. And time and time again—whether working with President Obama to expand access to affordable healthcare, leading the fight for fair and representative courts on the Judiciary Committee, or working to build a smart, sustainable future for all—Senator Durbin has delivered. And one of the greatest testaments to his legacy is the work he has done to train and prepare generations of new leaders who are now tasked with building on his historic legacy of service, integrity, and compassion.”

…Adding… Congresswoman Robin Kelly…

“I would like to congratulate my friend, Senator Dick Durbin, on a remarkable career in public service. Senator Durbin has always served with integrity and common sense, and I am one of millions of Illinoisans who are grateful for his leadership during challenging times. We are lucky to have his voice in the Senate to stand for our farmers, veterans, small businesses, and children for the next year and a half. I wish him and Loretta the best as they plan for the next chapter.”

…Adding… Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant….

“Will County and the entire state of Illinois owe a debt of gratitude to U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. His record of service on behalf of our county and our state is immeasurable. Senator Durbin’s commitment to Will County resulted in the creation of a National Veterans Cemetery, the largest inland port in North America, historic levels of investment in infrastructure, and countless jobs. I am proud to call Senator Durbin a friend and look forward to working closely with him for the duration of his term.”

…Adding… Congressman Sean Casten…

“Senator Dick Durbin’s career of public service is a gold standard for anyone who holds or aspires to hold public office. He has been a model and a mentor. A model in his actions, where he has always led with intellect and humility. And a mentor to all of us learning how to do the job he has done so well.

“When I was first running in 2018, he told me that I should never judge how politicians behave if they don’t have any political capital to spend – but that I could learn a lot about politicians by how they choose to spend the political capital they have. It’s always struck me as quintessentially Durbin. Humble, in its insistence that we not rush to judgment. But insightful for understanding how others will – and should – judge us. It’s the kind of advice that makes you better at your job, just as it pushes you to be better still. May we all live up to that standard.

“The Congress, Illinois, and the country are a better place because of his service. Thank you, Senator Durbin.”

…Adding… Jake Ford, Political Director, LaHood for Congress…

“Senator Durbin’s retirement was long overdue. For decades, Illinoisans have known him as the face of Washington dysfunction — pushing liberal policies that have made life more expensive, our borders less secure, and our streets less safe.

While we wish him well in retirement, Illinoisans are ready to turn the page. Voters are tired of out-of-touch liberal policies that have failed working families, and prioritized illegal immigrants and far-left ideological agendas over hard working American taxpayers.

Congressman LaHood has earned strong support from voters across the 34 counties he’s represented in Congress, winning each election by overwhelming margins. He’s championed impactful economic growth policies and been a leader in strengthening our national security against growing threats like China and Iran. His leadership has consistently driven strong financial backing, resulting in nearly $6 million in cash on hand at the end of last quarter.

As the 2026 election approaches, Congressman LaHood remains focused on delivering conservative leadership for all Illinoisans that offers a clear alternative to the failed liberal policies driving families and businesses out of Illinois.”’

…Adding…Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson…

“I want to thank Senator Durbin for over 40 years of fighting for the people of Illinois. Senator Durbin is a principled and pragmatic leader and deeply committed to his constituents. Throughout his career, he understood the importance of reaching across the aisle and working in partnership to deliver for our people, while never abandoning his Democratic values. In his role on the Senate Judiciary Committee, he fought to preserve democracy when it faced the most unprecedented threats of our lifetime. Time and time again, he delivered real results to the working people of Chicago – investing in our airports and our train stations, defending Dreamers and immigrants, and fighting to end gun violence. He was a champion for young children and early childhood education, and he fought for mental health services for our young people. Our city, our state, and our country are stronger due to his decades of service.”

…Adding… Congresswoman Delia Ramirez…

“Senator Durbin has been a trusted leader, a mentor to many, and a champion for working people in Illinois, who has always led with compassion and integrity. For over 40 years, he has worked to expand healthcare access, to protect our communities from gun violence, to transform our justice system, and led the fight advocating for Dreamers. As he announces his much-deserved retirement, I am feeling thankful for his work and service to the people of Illinois and our nation.

Thank you, Senator, for the opportunity to learn from you and partner with you on so many important issues. As the proud daughter of immigrants, the spouse of a Dreamer, and the Congresswoman of IL-03, I also extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment to defending our immigrant communities.”

…Adding…Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García….

“I want to thank Senator Dick Durbin for his decades of service to the people of Illinois and for being a steadfast voice for justice and progress in Washington. His decision to forego another re-election marks the close of a remarkable chapter in our state’s history. Senator Durbin has been a moral anchor in the U.S. Senate—fighting for working families, standing up for immigrants, protecting our democracy, and leading with courage and compassion.

Senator Durbin’s deep integrity, strategic mind, and consistent focus on human dignity leave an incredible legacy in Illinois and across the nation. His work in authoring the DREAM Act, his unshakable belief in advancing comprehensive immigration reform, and shepherding landmark judicial appointments changed lives and shaped the national conversation.

I’ve been proud to work alongside him, and I join many across our state in wishing him and Loretta all the best in the years ahead. Illinois’ next senator will need to carry forward his legacy of leadership grounded in courage, compassion, and an enduring drive for equity.”

…Adding… The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Kevin McLaughlin…

“On behalf of the hardworking men and women of the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, I want to offer our profound gratitude to Senator Durbin for his decades of service in the United States Senate. Senator Durbin has been a true champion for working families and a steadfast ally of organized labor throughout his distinguished career. Time and again, he’s stood with us—not just in words, but in action. From supporting Davis-Bacon protections and prevailing wage laws, to defending collective bargaining rights and using his considerable clout to fund infrastructure projects that created thousands of good-paying union jobs, Senator Durbin has never wavered in his commitment to the middle class. He’s been a frequent guest at our Delegate meetings who never fails to charm the audience with his tales of growing up in a union household and knowing what it was like to fight for everything you got. He’s done so much uncredited work behind the scenes to help his constituents – that’s just who he is. We’re proud to call him a friend.”

…Adding… Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) President Mark Guethle…

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Senator Durbin since he first ran for the U.S. Senate 1996. What impressed me then and continues to impress me now is his selflessness. Whether he was fighting for working families or attending a County Party event somewhere in Illinois, we know we can count on him. His leadership in the Senate and in the Democratic Party have been invaluable. He is a true statesman in every sense of the word.

Senator Durbin understands the importance of building the Democratic Party at the grassroots level in all corners of Illinois. He continues to be a fierce advocate for the IDCCA, and we will forever be grateful for his leadership. We are a stronger IDCCA and a stronger Democratic Party because of Dick Durbin.

On behalf of all 102 County Democratic Party Chairs, I wish to thank Senator Durbin for everything he has done for our state, our country, and our Democratic Party. We wish him well in retirement.”

…Adding… Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid…

“Senator Durbin has been a tireless advocate for the people of Illinois and his leadership in Washington will be missed.

“For someone who had been in DC for decades, Durbin frequently rejected the political status quo and fought for what he believed in – even if the votes were tough. Durbin’s support for the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval blocking arms sales to Israel was incredibly needed leadership at a time when too many lacked such courage and moral clarity.

“He stood up to powerful interests here and abroad because it was the morally right thing to do. His efforts on healthcare, DACA, criminal justice reform, and many other issues have made life measurably better for millions of people.

“Senator Durbin has left big shoes to fill. Our next senator will be measured by their willingness to reject America’s complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and say no to sending billions of dollars worth of weapons to Israel. Senator Durbin’s successor must be ready to carry out his legacy of fighting for all people.”

…Adding… Senate President Don Harmon…

“I want to congratulate my friend Senator Dick Durbin on an extraordinary career in public service. His leadership made a lasting impact on Illinois. Senator Durbin spent his career fighting for all Illinoisans, and the trust the people placed in him over his tenure speaks for itself.
“I extend my thanks to Senator Durbin, Loretta, and their family, and wish them the very best in the years ahead.”

…Adding… Rep. Maurice West…

“Dick Durbin represents the very best of Illinois. He has served our state and its people with honesty and integrity as a statesman, an advocate, and a fierce fighter for justice. His record as a legislator and leader in Congress is truly exceptional, and he provided myself and so many others in public service with a sterling example of moral leadership in our modern world. I am particularly grateful that he brought his downstate Illinois roots to the highest levels of government, ensuring the experiences and values of all of Illinois would be represented in Washington, D.C. I wish him and his family the very best as he concludes his term in office and begins a long and happy retirement.”

…Adding… Illinois Retail Merchants Association…

“Senator Dick Dubin has been a tireless advocate for Illinois and a true champion for the retail community. We extend our sincere congratulations to Senator Durbin on his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated public service,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “We are grateful for his decades-long recognition of the vital role retail plays in our economy, and his commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive marketplace for consumers and retailers. In particular, we appreciate his leadership on debit-card reform and, more recently, his support of the Credit Card Competition Act, which has been instrumental in bringing attention to skyrocketing credit card swipe fees that are harming businesses and driving up costs for working families. We thank him for his partnership and his unwavering dedication and wish him the best in his next chapter.

…Adding… Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery…

“Senator Durbin’s career has been defined by principled leadership, fierce advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to working people. His legacy will be held in high regard alongside other great senators from Illinois such as Paul Douglas and Paul Simon. As someone who began his career working alongside Senator Paul Simon, Durbin stepped into his mentor’s shoes and not only continued the legacy but built on it. His contributions have shaped Illinois and the nation for the better.

“Throughout his decades of public service, Senator Durbin stood up time and again for teachers, school staff, higher education, public employees, and the right of every worker to organize and be treated with dignity. He was a vocal champion of immigration reform, co-authoring the DREAM Act and standing strong for DACA recipients when their futures were most at risk.

“On behalf of the more than 103,000 IFT members, we extend our gratitude for his lifetime of leadership. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will inspire generations to come.”

…Adding… Congresswoman Lauren Underwood…

“Senator Durbin is the best. He defends our values, always fights for what’s right, and time and again delivers for Illinois families.

“I’ve known Senator Durbin to be a generous and thoughtful leader. He has always set a standard of excellence: accelerating progress in access to health care, growing the middle class, and championing a judiciary that reflects our country. As a steady force for good, Senator Durbin always dedicates himself not just to our state, but the country. I’m so grateful for his decades of service which has made life better for millions of people.

“Thank you Senator Durbin for your sacrifices and leadership for Illinois!

This afternoon, Underwood rallied against the Trump Administration’s continued attack on international students and faculty across the country at the Northern Illinois University Campus in DeKalb.

…Adding… Treasurer Mike Frerichs…

Sen. Durbin worked tirelessly for the families of Illinois and our country. He was a voice for the voiceless. He stood tall on the issues that matter like health care, workers’ rights, and the environment. He brought home money for our roads, bridges, and public transit.

When I first ran for elected office 27 years ago, Sen. Durbin was the first and only statewide official to support me. After I lost, he sent me a handwritten letter and encouraged me to stay in public service. Were it not for Sen. Durbin, I would not be writing this today as Illinois Treasurer. I am not alone. He has mentored and supported countless people over his decades in public service.

…Adding… Sen. Robert Peters…

“Dick Durbin has served our state and its people with honor and integrity, standing up for what is right above all else. His many accomplishments in Congress have shaped our state and our nation for the better, from fighting for clean air to standing up for immigrant families to delivering major investments in our infrastructure.

“His legacy and leadership are forever etched in Illinois history. I wish him and his family the very best as he completes his term and transitions to a very well-deserved retirement.”

…Adding… Greg Kelley, President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois…

Senator Dick Durbin has been a devoted advocate for the working people of Illinois. In his four decades of public service, he has defended not only the right of workers to have a voice on the job and in their communities, but a society in which those who work for a living can build rich and satisfying lives for themselves and their families. As a union of frontline care givers, we have long known that Senator Durbin believes in a society in which we care for one another and in which we invest in care, and especially in care for the most vulnerable among us.

He showed his own commitment to care in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic by showing up to engage with our members and advocate for the needs of care workers and those they served in a time fraught with anxiety and uncertainty.

On a personal note, I was fortunate to enter the political arena as a young man by interning on Senator Durbin’s first run for the office he has held for so long. Over the years, my experience of him has been that he not only shows up for working people, but that he does so with kindness and compassion.

Senator Durbin—many thanks for your steadfast leadership.

…Adding… Congressman Mike Quigley…

“After serving the people of Illinois for over 40 years in Congress, my colleague Senator Dick Durbin has shared that he plans to retire at the end of his term.

“From securing federal funds to extend Chicago’s Red Line and bolster anti-flooding infrastructure, to supporting full LGBTQ+ equality, Senator Durbin has been an essential partner in solving problems right here at home. As the Senate Democratic whip for two decades, Durbin has also mobilized my Democratic colleagues to vote for transformative legislation, including the Affordable Care Act, First Step Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In recent years, I have also been honored to work with Senator Durbin in advocating for Ukraine in the war against Russian aggression.

“Senator Durbin’s decision to retire embodies the essence of public service—doing what is best even when it is difficult. I will miss his partnership and advocacy in the Senate, but I look forward to seeing him thrive in this next chapter.”

…Adding… The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce…

“I want to express my sincere congratulations to Senator Dick Durbin on his historic career of public service. I have had the privilege of knowing Senator Durbin personally for many years and worked directly with him to create jobs and economic opportunity throughout our state. It has been an honor to witness his steadfast leadership and powerful voice for Illinois businesses in Washington, advocating tirelessly for policies that drive growth, innovation, and opportunity. His decades of leadership have made a lasting impact on our state and our nation.

On behalf of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, I want to thank Senator Durbin for his unwavering dedication to public service and to the people of Illinois. We wish him, his wife Loretta, and the entire Durbin family all the best as they embark on this new chapter,” said Jack Lavin, President and CEO of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

…Adding… Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter…

“For more than 40 years, Dick Durbin has been a steadfast champion for working families in Chicago and across our state. The Chicago labor movement has been proud to partner with Sen. Durbin on countless legislative initiatives, from delivering new investments in our local infrastructure to fighting for healthcare benefits for workers during the pandemic. His integrity as a legislator and statesman are unmatched, and we are deeply grateful for his service to our city and state. We wish Sen. Durbin, Loretta, and his entire family all the best as he continues his work in office over the next 20 months and then begins what will be a well-deserved retirement.”

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