Roll Call Election Preview
Illinois Senate
Incumbent: Dick Durbin (D)
1st term (56 percent)
Outlook: Safe Democratic

Durbin's re-election was essentially sealed last fall when Republicans failed to recruit a top-tier challenger for the freshman.

In a clash of names, Durbin faces state Rep. Jim Durkin (R) on the November ballot, after the Republican won a three-way March primary.

Further aiding the Senator's prospects is the state Republican Party's continued downward spiral, which looks likely to help produce a banner year for Democrats at the polls.

A recent Zogby International poll showed Durbin with a solid lead over Durkin: 54 percent to 29 percent.

For his part, Durkin has done little to show that he can make the race competitive. As of June 30, Durbin had $4.7 million stockpiled for the race, compared with the $111,000 Durkin had in the bank.

Durbin went up with television ads last week and his greatest challenge in this race remains making sure voters can distinguish his name from Durkin's on the ballot.

Publication: Roll Call
Date: October 7, 2002
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