Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) for Senate Democratic Leader

[CreekDog]

I like the sound of it. And in the aftermath of the Medicare bill disaster (most notably in the Senate) and other problems too numerous to cover.

Daschle was effective as Minority Leader as long as Clinton was president.

However, the ability to count votes is only one part of the equation while we control none of the branches of government. We need an effective communicator who is assertive and good on tv.

Someone like Dick Durbin, who is well-liked across the spectrum of the party. He is a very effective speaker and takes nice sharp stands that almost have a populist ring to them.

I think he'd be a good choice and I'd like to see folks push for him to take on the post.

Pelosi is good at both counting votes and communicating effectively and strongly for the party, so I think she has earned her wings in the House.

[Frodo]

1. Sure. Just wait till after the election

Competition for the spot now would significantly decrease Dascle's ability to win re-election.

[dansolo]

8. And risk giving Bush even more legislative victories?

I don't care one bit about Daschle's re-election. That is a big reason for the mess we are in right now. I want a strong leader who doesn't need to pander for their own political survival. Dick Durbin would be an ideal leader, and he has shown repeatedly that he won't back down against Bush.

[Frodo]

9. We'll be worse off...

... with 44 seats and Durbin in that office than 45 seats and Daschle. There are too many Bush states with retiring Democratic senators. Let's not add this one into the tossup column. There just isn't THAT mcuh he would be able to do between now and November anyway.

Have a fight for the seat once it actually can be voted on. Announcing it now just makes it less lilkely Daschle will act correctly.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. We need a minority leader with teeth

who is not afraid to call a spade a spade and a Rethuglican what they are. My kinfolk in Illinois like Durbin, so I think he would be good.

[CreekDog]

3. I always call a spade a shovel

But that's just me. ;o)

[madrchsod]

4. then the house leader

and the democratic senate leader from the same state..interesting

[adadem]

5. As a former Illinoisian

I think Dick Durbin would be great!

[metisnation]

6. Durbin

This guy is a champion for the rights of all Americans and will be a PITBULL as the minority leader. Everyone on DU should look at the stances this guy makes on a daily basis.

:kick:

[dusty64]

7. That would be cool with me.

We really need a leader in the Senate.

[IkeWarnedUs]

10. Great choice

How and when is the party leadership chosen?

[pscot]

11. I thinik the leader is elected for the full term

which would end after the elections of '04.