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* An Illinoisan was President of the United States for 8 years and Sen. Richard Durbin was in leadership during that period of history as well. The state didn’t really get anything particularly special then, and I’m not holding my breath now, either…
Dick Durbin’s position as an experienced leader in the party that is about to take control of what issues will be considered by the U.S. Senate can’t help but benefit Illinois, and his respectful demeanor could bring more civility to Washington, D.C., political observers say. […]
What’s easier to predict, Shaw said, is that Durbin’s stature means Illinois’ needs will receive a high level of attention in Congress. […]
Durbin said he doesn’t want to overstate his role in leadership, but it will definitely benefit Illinois.
“When important decisions are made, Illinois is going to be at the table,” he said. “Sen. Duckworth and I will both make sure of that.”
Your thoughts?
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:04 pm
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I mean, what will Durbin go out on a limb for? Soybeans?
Comment by Ok Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:13 pm
Infrastructure may be a good strategy to make the Illinois case. It has worked in the past. Our leadership needs to make the case, especially given our central role in logistics.
Comment by Res Melius Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:15 pm
Well when we drove through Kentucky last fall I did note that their roads were in great shape. So some up high and inside connections could be helpful.
Comment by Been There Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:19 pm
Probably not. It seems like the days when a local leader could bring home the bacon went out of style with Dan Rostenkowski.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:21 pm
It can’t hurt.
Comment by SSL Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:22 pm
Durbin will have more influence on policy.
The Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee and Transportation Committee will have more influence over money. I believe that includes Quigley, Bustos, Garcia, Underwood and Newman.
It’s worth noting that Quigley’s district includes O’Hare while Newman has Midway.
Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:23 pm
I quibble with the idea that Illinois didn’t get anything special during Obama’s term. They created the initial funding source for the Red & Purple Modernization Program and for a time Chicago was the only city applying for that source.
Comment by The 647 Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:24 pm
===I quibble ===
Quibble away but Texas is still spending money from the LBJ administration.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:28 pm
all I know is the former resident in the Whitehouse targeted states like Illinois out of pure spite
Comment by truthteller Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:29 pm
Maybe the second time around will be the charm. he is the longest serving do nothing for folks back home senator in Illinois history
Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:31 pm
At dupage
That was funny
Comment by Rutro Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:34 pm
My impression is since earmarks went away, it is a lot harder to bring home the bacon. I always questioned how much Rostenkowski actually brought to Illinois. I worked on one project that he took credit for that I doubt if he even knew about before the press release was sent out claiming credit. I think Rostenkowski used his power to shape tax laws that helped Chicago business concerns which in turn benefitted Chicago. But the era of big federal dollars for Interstate highways, housing, urban renewal, etc. really preceded him. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
And back to Durbin, I’m sure the Ethanol industry and corporate farmers are happy.
Comment by City Guy Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:36 pm
Holding my breath
Comment by Frank talks Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:37 pm
I’m sick and tired of subsidizing conservative states that spend all their time complaining about how we do things in our state.
Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:49 pm
Maybe with all of our coal, we can use is to more cheaply produce carbon fiber. Other Universities are getting fed dollars for that. Maybe Durbin can finally do something.
Comment by anon Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:50 pm
That has never struck me as a priority of Durbin, he seems much more interested in the big process vs hooking up the folks at home.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:50 pm
MEH
Comment by NotRich Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:54 pm
He says he is for equity. How about money for lead pipe replacement, Senator?
Comment by dr Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 1:59 pm
The “Rostenkowski” stylings of bringing home the bacon has been modest, but if we keep the bar real low, any monies we get with this administration will be a bonus.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:02 pm
Hopeful that Illinois and it’s locals can get some help for lost Covid caused revenue.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:04 pm
===Please correct me if I’m wrong.===
Deep tunnel, Presidential Towers, the Sox, Navy Pier, it is a pretty impressive list. All politicians take credit for stuff they probably did not personally do, but I don’t think anyone can say Rostenkowski did not marshal his power when Chicago needed something.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:05 pm
=== I don’t think anyone can say Rostenkowski did not marshal his power when Chicago needed something.===
Rostenkowski not only brought home tremendous pork, he was the point person for Chicago, not only making sure Chicago got hers, but put Chicago stuff in to push others things through in deals.
Can we find another Danny? I don’t think it’s Durbin…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:09 pm
Rumor in Metro east several years ago was Durban ok’d the siting of the NGA facility in St Louis, even though Scott AFB was better site and cheaper, to help dems (Clinton) win Missouri. Lost in both cases. NGA has had all kinds of problems in St Louis. Durbin looked out for the party instead of Illinois. An by the way, Obama was president and I think from Illinois s/
Comment by Retired and Still in Illinois Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:09 pm
Maybe Durbin will help find some money along the lines of a few hundred million extra to slowly push along Springfield’s rail relocation project. Let’s face it, after COVID, the needs are many just to get back to where we were, let alone doing extra stuff.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:20 pm
Durbin is one of those same old tired white guys who phones in his speeches and hasn’t had an original thought in about the last 20. He is excellent at counting noses and being a political hack for the party. Actually doing the hard work of governing? That is what his staff is for. I know, I’ve seen it up close and personal.
Comment by Scarce Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:25 pm
Sorry, but Durbin doesn’t seem to be especially helpful for Illinois or the country more broadly. I’d like to see him get a primary challenge next time he runs again, assuming he does.
Comment by Techie Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:27 pm
Professor Shaw is a nice man and a dreamer
Many downstaters still waitin’ Durbin to engage on reform of FEMA to get fed funds to smaller cities in big population states after disaster.
Could someone tell Mr/Ms 3D checkers that presidental towers, Sox Park aka Guarantee Rate Field and Navy Pier got no special fed juices
Comment by Annoin' Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:39 pm
=== Durban ok’d the siting of the NGA facility in St Louis===
That’s accurate. The STL site has numerous remediation issues that (I believe) they’re still going through. They wanted to shore up a U.S. Senate seat there, which I think Hawley won…. Personally, I feel like Duckworth brings more home to the state. Durbin always sounds like he’s playing to a beltway crowd and resting on his past victories.
Comment by Swampy Corn Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:46 pm
Now that MJM is out of the way Senator Durbin can turn on spigot. Right?
Comment by Bruce Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:55 pm
Durbin has been like a cloud for Illinois….it looks real, but mostly vapor. He’s been gliding for decades without much effort. A staunch liberal with other peoples money, but a rock ribbed conservative with his own. Keeps getting re-elected time and time again. He’s a master at whatever it is he does.
Comment by Sayitaintso Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:55 pm
Been There -
Try driving in Oklahoma on the non-toll roads. They’re far worse than Illinois. Potholes in concrete city streets big enough for a family of four in the OKC Metro area …
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 2:56 pm
The crowd who says “what has he done for us” are the same folks who thought earmarks made politicians corrupt. You expect them to bring a ton of specific projects to fruition if you do away with all the pork. Best they can do is advocate and supply funding for federal grants.
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 3:26 pm
*You can’t expect them
Comment by Downstate Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 3:26 pm
Senator Durbin has been a fierce fighter for our values and for bringing resources to Illinois. He never gets the credit he deserves as evidenced by these posts.
I am proud of him now and always.
Comment by Surgevoter Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 3:54 pm
“I’m sick and tired of subsidizing conservative states that spend all their time complaining about how we do things in our state.” - That’s how a progressive tax system works nationwide, so if you are going to gripe about that then I expect that you voted against the fair tax in November.
Comment by Arock Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 3:55 pm
I don’t like Driving for personal reasons, so my take is automatically biased against him.
My opinion is that, most of the time, he is more interested in playing on the National stage than he is in bringing home the bacon for Illinois or representing the State’s best interests.
Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 4:13 pm
==== Been There -
Try driving in Oklahoma on the non-toll roads. They’re far worse than Illinois. Potholes in concrete city streets big enough for a family of four in the OKC Metro area …====
That’s because they didn’t have the Senate Majority Leader and the Transportation Secretary from their state.
Comment by Been There Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 4:16 pm
Been There -
Maybe if OK’s senior senator did more than bring snowballs onto the US Senate floor to disprove global warming … but you’re right, Kentucky has benefitted from the connections you mentioned.
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 4:43 pm
Will Sen. Richard Durbin be able to keep his leadership role?
Comment by Mama Wednesday, Jan 20, 21 @ 7:04 pm