Durbin Easily Wins Third Term In Senate

Democrat Dick Durbin is thanking Illinoisans for a third term in the U.S. Senate and for their support after the recent death of his daughter. Cash, experience and pro-Democrat sentiment helped Durbin beat Republican challenger Steve Sauerberg on Tuesday.

With 21 percent of precincts reporting, Durbin had 719,363 votes, or 66 percent, and Sauerberg had 331,790 votes, or 30 percent. But Durbin's victory is shadowed by the weekend death of his daughter. Forty-year-old Christine Durbin died Saturday of complications from a congenital heart condition.

Durbin has canceled his election night party but issued a Tuesday night statement saying he looks forward to "representing our great state in the Senate and working with our new President to face our historic challenges."

Comments

[OsamaBushLadin]

Limp D ick Durbin, the worst majority whip ever. Yay another term.

[Bitsko]

A bittersweet victory for one of the few national politicians I thoroughly respect.

[DuPageDem]

Now Dick and comotose Harry Reid just need to step aside so people who actually know what they're doing can take charge of the new Senate. Starting with requiring real filibusters from the Rethug rabble.

[ButterflyWeed]

My deepest sympathy to Dick and Loretta on the passing of their eldest child, Christine. Thank you beyond words Senator Durbin for helping Barack become the world's next American President. We shall be forever grateful. The two of you give Illinois her great name back.

[BluebirdofUnhappiness]

I was also sorry to hear of their loss. Your family is in our prayers at this difficult time.
As I told someone several months ago: Illinois has 2 great senators, so I'm happy to give one up to the presidency.