More importantly, we believe he has grown, broadening his vision to take in all geographical regions and all constituencies. Where once we might have worried that downstate and Chicago would claim all his attention, Durbin has shown an equal sensitivity to the needs of the suburbs. Where once we might have questioned whether he was too beholden to labor, Durbin has shown a balanced concern for business interests.

In this campaign, where current events overtake the accomplishments of six years, Durbin has come under criticism in two areas: his failure so far to pass legislation to expand O'Hare Airport and his refusal to vote with President Bush on war with Iraq.

Yes, Durbin has yet to call the O'Hare bill. But how quickly everyone forgets the delicate competing interests involved. How quickly everyone forgets that the O'Hare debate had raged for well more than two decades with so little movement that expansion once seemed a fantasy. That after all this time a solid proposal has gotten to the stage it has is a credit to Durbin's leadership. He brought it this far even though his party is in the minority. He brought it this far despite the implacable and feisty opposition of Sen. Peter Fitzgerald. He brought it this far even though the attention of Congress in the past year has been distracted by the war on terrorism and the flagging economy. Those who criticize Durbin on these grounds ignore the complexities of politics in Washington.

We also question those who suggest Durbin is somehow weak-kneed in the war on terrorism. Weak-kneed, frankly, is an ironic description considering the courage Durbin needed to buck the jingoistic fervor sweeping the land. In his vote on Iraq, Durbin simply was asking many of the questions we have raised on this page, many of the questions millions of Americans have asked. Has the president made the case that war with Iraq is necessary? Might a war against Saddam Hussein worsen our problems rather than reduce them? How much blanket authority ought the president have?

Beyond those issues, Durbin has been a responsive senator who has continued to fight against tobacco and for consumers. He has been a power to bring federal dollars to Illinois road and mass transit projects. Although still a freshman senator, he quickly gained influence, acting as the Democrats' assistant floor leader and serving as a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. In doing all of that, he also has stayed in touch and in tune with communities and constituencies throughout the state.

His opponent, state Rep. James B. Durkin of Westchester, is a good and credible candidate, a moderate Republican with common-sense views. But his experience and credentials fall so far below those of Durbin that it is difficult to see what Illinois would gain with his election. We endorse Democrat Durbin with a "B."

Publication: Daily Herald
Date: 10/25/02
Author: Editorial

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