While all political eyes were glued to the pageantry of the recent Democratic National Convention, Illinois Democrats were concurrently focused on the question of who they would like to run against incumbent Republican Governor Bruce Rauner in 2018.
Despite talks of potential runs by former Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Chris Kennedy (son of the late Robert F. Kennedy), the most excitement was generated by rumors that U.S. Senator Dick Durbin may be pondering his own run against Rauner, of whom he has been particularly critical as of late.
In recent months, Durbin has sharply criticized Rauner for the state’s budget standoff, saying, “When I go downstate, what I’m finding is that communities are being devastated by the budget crisis.” He went even further in declaring that “I don’t see anything in (Rauner’s) turnaround agenda that will help the economy of this state.” In reference to unions, Durbin accused Rauner of having “a passion against labor unions, has a passion about lowering the wages of working people.”
Sounds like campaign talking points to me or to anyone who follows this sort of political posturing. However, Durbin very adroitly dodged any declaration of his intentions, in remarks to the Chicago Tribune: “Well, all I can say is I’m focusing on my positive responsibility that the voters gave me in the last election.”
Durbin’s biggest cheerleader may be Illinois House Speaker and Democratic Party of Illinois Chairman Mike Madigan, who said he discussed the possibility with Durbin and that Durbin has “an exemplary record of public service” and would be “uniquely qualified.”
Madigan is right. Durbin, an East St. Louis native, is the No.2 Democrat in the Senate, lives in Springfield, owns another home in Chicago, has statewide name recognition, is extremely popular with labor unions and wouldn’t have any problems fundraising.
The big question for Durbin is one of legacy. He’s 71 years old, and being elected governor would be the crowning achievement for an already stellar career. It could allow Durbin to be remembered as having rescued his state from financial catastrophe, particularly given his close working relationship with Speaker Madigan.
And since Durbin was recently denied the top Democratic position in the Senate, following the retirement of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (that went to U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York), it might be good political timing for Durbin to make such a bold move.
Senator Durbin has little else to prove at the Senate level, especially when he has the opportunity to revive a state which has been on political life support for the past several years.
And, on a personal note, I’d love to see an East St. Louis homeboy in the governor’s seat, reaching back and impacting his hometown in a positive manner instead of East Boogie continuing to be the neglected stepchild of the state.
This is Durbin’s opportunity to achieve state hero status. If not now, when? And if not Dick Durbin, who?
Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com; Twitter@JamesTIngram.
