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* From an Illinois Times interview of US Sen. Dick Durbin…
This November will mark 42 years since Durbin defeated incumbent Republican Congressman Paul Findley to begin his tenure as a federal elected official. Durbin was subsequently elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996. Although Durbin’s seat isn’t up for election in 2024, what does the future hold for the long-term Illinois Democrat?
“I have two and a half years left in this term and we’ll decide after that,” said Durbin, who will turn 80 years of age in November.
* The Question: What do you think Durbin will do about reelection? Make sure to explain your answer and take note that I’m not asking you what you think he should do. Thanks.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:28 pm
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I think he will pack it in. Too bad, though. He’s a great Senator but even finer human being.
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:35 pm
I don’t see him doing it. I think his strong support for Vallas was an indicator that he knows he has one foot out the door. That endoresment, coupled with a long list of ambitious politicians who have long been awaiting their “turn,” means he might be facing a primary challenge. I don’t see him having the energy for that.
Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:35 pm
I think he will likely retire. Why he would want to continue to do that job into his 80s would be beyond me.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:37 pm
When one reaches the age of 80…the future is relatively short and easy to predict…regardless of one’s plans.
Comment by Dotnonymous x Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:37 pm
I’ll be surprised (but not shocked) if he runs for another term. There’s been a trend recently of elderly DC Democrats finally realizing it’s time - Ben Cardin, Debbie Stabenow, Pat Leahy, and the entire House leadership stepped back along with Pelosi. I expect Durbin will follow that pattern.
Comment by vern Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:39 pm
I always assumed this would be his last term, but then I saw him at a lightly attended event for an obscure political organization that he came to right after getting off a flight from DC — in other words, a stop you only make if you’re planning on running again. I still think he hangs it up, but now I’m not so sure.
Comment by Roman Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:41 pm
I think the results of the presidential election may be a determining factor. If Biden manages re-election, I can see him hanging it up, especially with the likelihood of Democrats being in the minority in the Senate (however narrow that may be). If Trump wins, I can see him seeking reelection solely for the fact that he may view his role on the Senate Judiciary committee being critical to protecting small-d democracy and the rule of law in the face of an autocratic assault fully enabled by Senate GOPers on the committee
Comment by no use for a (nick)name Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:44 pm
I believe he’ll retire. I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone like Andy Manar step up and run for the seat.
Comment by Osborne Smith III Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:46 pm
Looking at the age of Senate Leadership and the Senate in general. I see that he signs up for another term.
Comment by Holding Back Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:48 pm
I’m guessing retirement. He can trust that his seat will be filled by a like-minded Democrat (unlike Ohio’s Sherrod Brown or Montana’s Jon Tester, the last major Democratic officeholders in their states). 82 is a good age to retire and think about enjoying what’s left of life.
Comment by Benjamin Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:52 pm
I love Durbin, but he should have passed the torch in the last election and I think he’ll stay.
If he retires, I can see Raja Krishnamoorthi take it.
Comment by Proud Papa Bear Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:53 pm
i’m not sure so will ride the fence. But regardless his seat has always been viewed as a downstate so any aspirants need to be building their downstate brand. Plus, if a few cook / collar candidates run downstate becomes the x factor. I think Durbin runs.
Comment by Here Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 1:59 pm
= Why he would want to continue to do that job into his 80s would be beyond me. =
He wouldn’t be the first.
Comment by JoanP Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 2:10 pm
I think he runs again and then retires before his term expires to give his replacement a little bit of time as incumbent. All the cool kids are doing it.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 2:12 pm
Senator Durbin Chairs the Appropriations Committee and the Judiciary Committee. If the Democrats maintain control of the Senate he will run for re-election.
What happened to Owl?
Comment by Julie Spears Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 2:28 pm
Retire. The times have passed him by as much as I respect his overall work, he’s not suited to a Washington D.C. that is this dysfunctional and he doesn’t understand how to communicate in such a toxic, polarized place.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:24 pm
Misread the question and answered too soon, sorry. I think he may retire. He’s accomplished most of what he can and he can call it a successful career and enjoy his family.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:25 pm
I think if the Democrats lose control of the Senate he will consider retirement, especially since he knows that a Democrat will most definitely replace him.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:27 pm
He will not run again. Leave the Senate a winner and pass the baton to the young and strong Democratic bench.
Comment by Stormsw7706 Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:33 pm
If I’ve learned one thing over the past decade+, it’s that folks born in the 1940s seemingly never, ever, ever want to retire once they’re in positions of power unless they’re absolutely forced to.
Comment by TJ Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:36 pm
Durbin will run again - senior statesmen like Durbin have a well-oiled office. His seniority, and committee assignments guarantee he can select and keep the best and brightest staff. I had a relative intern for Danny Davis. He was a super nice guy to work for - he had a good office - Besides working his district at social events he only just showed up for votes and when needed read prepared speeches. It is a good gig at any age.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:41 pm
The only way he doesn’t run again is if he has a handpicked replacement that he can throw his weight behind and his clout. If he can’t find his pick he’ll run again.
Comment by Frida's boss Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:46 pm
Unfortunately, based on the last time I was in his presence, I think he’ll do one more term. He just thinks his position is too important at this time for diminished power.
Comment by Lurker Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:52 pm
Does he have a relative that lives out of state that he can have the nomination go to?
For the sake of his legacy, I hope he considers retiring before his legacy becomes that he didn’t retire. There are so many great things that can be said about Senator Feinstein’s career, but her last several years in office tarnished her legacy in the eyes of the people meant to define it.
It would be decent of him to give the people he has served so well at least an 18 month heads up so we’d have an opportunity to truly examine our next senator during the primary process.
If he decides to run again, I hope he clearly articulates why he needs another term and why only he can deliver the outcome he is seeking.
Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:54 pm
== The only way he doesn’t run again is if he has a handpicked replacement that he can throw his weight behind and his clout. If he can’t find his pick he’ll run again. ==
Good point, but to be fair if he attempts to make a hand-picked successor, they’re going to have to go up against Raja’s war chest. So unless Durbin taps Raja, it’ll likely be a battle, and the last thing Durbin wants is to back a horse that might very well not win, and I don’t know if Raja is Durbin’s guy or not.
Comment by TJ Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 3:54 pm
I hope he retires, but I fear he won’t.
While he’s been effective at confirming judges, he’s been grossly ineffective at investigations and holding hearings - areas where the Senate should have played a large role after 2022.
If he doesn’t retire, he will draw a primary challenge. There are too many people who want the seat - and issues that will give a challenger a chance.
Comment by Keyrock Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 4:00 pm
It’s time to move on and let somebody under 80 represent the state. Too many overstay their welcome in the US Senate and too may old white men in that chamber. Not at all representative of our country. If he does run I would hope he gets a solid challenge whether it’s Raja or some other qualified Democrat
Comment by T Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 4:01 pm
It’s time to retire. Time for someone new in that seat that can handle today’s messed DC.
Comment by Glengarry Thursday, Jun 20, 24 @ 4:39 pm