Illinois' junior Republican Sen. Mark Kirk opposes the nuclear deal with Iran. But the state's senior US Senator, Democrat Dick Durbin, has been key in shepherding it through, and that has sparked rumors.
Durbin is Senate Democrats' No. 2. Really, it means he's the minority whip. A job that -- no matter what you think of its merits -- he was successful at when it came to the nuclear agreement.
A lengthy Washington Post article is headlined "How Sen. Durbin spent his summer saving the Iran deal."
But when Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid moves on next year, it won't be Durbin who takes his place; Reid picked New York's Chuck Schumer for that, with Durbin's eventual endorsement. Schumer was against the deal.
Now, the glint of murmurs: will Durbin's success coalescing members parlay to the top leadership post?
When asked if he'll try, Durbin didn't hesitate to say: no.
"I'm just going to keep doing my job. First for Illinois, and secondly where I can help to resolve some of these national and international issues. That's what I do and I've done it for ten years, working with my caucus," Durbin said. "In this case it worked out well , I worked all through the month of August to deal with my colleagues on this issue. But no, it hasn't changed my plans. I'm still looking forward to living in Springfield, in Illinois commuting every weekend, as I have for quite a few years."
Durbin's work could, however, help him fend off a possible challenge as Schumer's second in command.
Last week, Durbin achieved a state record. He's now the Illinois' longest-serving, popularly elected Senator. Should he chose to run for the post again, Durbin is next up for re-election in 2020. GOP Senator Kirk is expected to have a tough race next year as he seeks to hold onto his seat.
