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Durbin downplays Reid push to make him party chairman

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* CNN…

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz appears safe as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee until the November elections after Democrats privately mulled options to replace her, including with Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, according to several sources familiar with the discussions. […]

So privately, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid offered an alternative: Durbin as Wasserman Schultz’s replacement, according to several people familiar with the situation. In an interview on Tuesday, Durbin confirmed to CNN that he spoke with Reid about the matter, but downplayed the discussion.

“A lot of people put my name up but I didn’t ask for any of this,” Durbin said.

Asked about Reid floating his name, Durbin said: “He told me that he had mentioned it. That was as far as it went. There wasn’t any active discussion. Nothing came of it.”

Like the article says, Wasserman Schultz isn’t going anywhere until after the election anyway.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 8:59 am

Comments

Durbin seems to like to keep his cards close to his chest doesn’t he? I guess I can understand that. He’s got to keep options open. I sure hope he runs for Governor. What I wouldn’t do for that competence right now. Heck, I’d support a competent middle of the road republican right now.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:14 am
Spending the next four years trying to defend Clinton scandals does not sound like much fun to me. Plus a midterm election that will rival 1994. Careful what you wish for.

Comment by Slugger O'Toole Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:15 am
Dunno if that is a good fit for him. Never seemed like the kind of rah-rah, gregarious salesman type you expect in that role.

Comment by Ron Burgundy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:20 am
=Spending the next four years trying to defend Clinton scandals does not sound like much fun to me=

Republicans have spent the better part of 20 years yelling about Clinton scandals (and more recently Obama scandals). It doesn’t seem to be accomplishing much (other than drive Fox News ratings).

Comment by pundent Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 9:44 am
Totally a Reid play. Not much warmth between HRC and Durbin. It’s clintons pick and nobody will listen to lamedick Harry

Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:00 am
Lameduck Harry

Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:01 am
Durbin makes Quinn look like a bible-thumping redneck on the political scale, but I would vote for him for governor over Rauner any day.

Comment by downstate commissioner Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:20 am
Sue, you had it right the first time. lol

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:34 am
You have to read between the lines here about what Reid is really saying to Durbin which is this: “After I retire, you won’t have much of a role around here under Schumer’s leadership. Patty Murray is going to have your current spot and you will be left out in the cold. This Chairmanship is a soft landing for you until you retire gracefully or run for Governor of Illinois.”

Comment by Colin O'Scopey Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:55 am
The last Clinton pick for chairman of the party was Terry McCauliffe. He was a disaster. During his tenure as the party leader, the Senate went from 55-45 (D-R) to 45-55 (D-R). Congress went from 211 223 (D-R)to 202-231 (D-R).

I sure hope the Clintons get to pick again!

Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 10:57 am
Hey Downstate- the Chairman has nothing to do with those election results. It’s the WH. Look at what your Great present occupant has done to the Democratic majorities he inherited

Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 3:07 pm
Durbin all-in for Pres. Obama against HC in first campaign. Don’t see it.

Comment by jimk849 Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 3:30 pm
You make a good point. I fondly remember Terry talking, after every election cycle of his tenure, about what great things were happening for the party.

Reminded me of this…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDAmPIq29ro

Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jul 13, 16 @ 3:41 pm

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