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Durbin splits hairs

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Illinois

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) says a fundraising e-mail isn’t the same as him making an official endorsement in next year’s Senate race. Durbin sent out a fundraising request on behalf of the Senate bid of U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Hoffman Estates), calling her “a friend” and “a champion,” but he says that’s not a formal endorsement. He says he’s helping with fundraising since the campaign is heating up earlier than he’d hoped.

“The interesting thing about this Senate race is it’s starting so darn early,” Durbin said. “You know, the incumbent senator has started television ads. There’s discussion about primary opponents, and so that’s the reason the e-mail was sent.”

Durbin has said he will endorse and campaign for the Democratic nominee in the race. His fundraising e-mail mentioned how he encouraged Duckworth to run for Congress, but he dismisses the notion that he “discovered her.”

Expect an Illinois GOP press release explaining how this is just horrible for Duckworth in five… four… three…

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 11:51 am

Comments

If Kirk was active in the GOP primary but not the general, then Durbin can obviously be active in the primary as well.

If not, then there are no hairs to split and he needs to consider how he wants his reputation and character remembered.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:03 pm
Duckworth will need all the help she can get. If Rauner decides he wants Kirk to win, he could donate a lot of money to Kirk’s campaign, or to one of the independent PACs to attack Duckworth.

Comment by DuPage Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:03 pm
not horrible for Duckworth, but definitely embarrassing. beginning with her rollout, this campaign is completely underwhelming.

Comment by DecaturGuy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:20 pm
This could turn into the “perception” of Kirk running against Durbin by fiat. It’s a lot easier to go after him than a very nice lady who also happens to be an injured war veteran and new mother.

Lots of fodder to go after Durbin and tie her to him.

Comment by A guy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:28 pm
**It’s a lot easier to go after him than a very nice lady who also happens to be an injured war veteran and new mother.

Lots of fodder to go after Durbin and tie her to him.**

Sure… except for the fact that IL kinda’ loves Durbin. And this is especially true of the IL voters in a presidential year.

Comment by AlabamaShake Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:33 pm
Kirk already sent a fundraising e-mail blasting Duckworth for needing Durbin’s “help.”

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 12:57 pm
A-Shake, not so convinced that Illinois loves Durbin, but hey, it’s your amendment to use freely. lol/s

Comment by A guy Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:43 pm
==- A guy - Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 1:43 pm:==

Voters say something else.

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Jun 8, 15 @ 4:28 pm