We don't think the Chamber endorsement should be such a surprise. And we hope it doesn't come as a surprise that Durbin has also earned our enthusiastic endorsement.

WHILE DURBIN'S opponent, state Rep. Jim Durkin, R-Westchester, is a thoughtful man with some good ideas - especially the one about eliminating the federal inheritance tax - there is no contest as to who would better serve Illinois' interests in the Senate.

Durbin's extensive experience in the U.S. House and his six years as a senator already have paid tremendous dividends for our state.

In an issue very close to home, Durbin has been key to securing and keeping on track the federal funding for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. While many deserve credit for this colossal project, the concept was a passion of Durbin's long before he took his seat in the Senate. Few, if any projects, have had the potential to benefit Springfield as much as the library/museum. Durbin's continued guidance on this matter is vital.

WHILE WE appreciate Durbin's efforts on behalf of the new library/museum complex, our support of his candidacy is much broader than this one issue. The list of projects Durbin has worked on for Illinois is vast, ranging from securing federal appropriations for new road and bridge construction to acting quickly this summer to deliver federal assistance to combat the West Nile Virus outbreak, which hit Illinois harder than any other state in the nation.

Durbin is able to bring federal dollars back to Illinois, in part, because he has secured a position on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Durbin is the first Illinois senator in a quarter century to hold a seat on that powerful and important committee.

Durbin, who is also a member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, deserves praise for championing the expansion of O'Hare International Airport. The O'Hare enhancements are important to the efficiency of air traffic both in Illinois and the entire nation. The project has the potential to create nearly 200,000 jobs and provide up to $20 billion in economic benefits. Unfortunately, Durbin's efforts have been stymied so far, by Illinois' other senator, Republican Peter Fitzgerald.

Durbin's committee assignments also position him well to help shape Illinois' future transportation strategy and to assist the state in receiving its fair share of the huge, upcoming highway and public transportation appropriations. Sending an inexperienced freshman to take his place could literally cost Illinois many millions of dollars.

WE ADMIRE DURBIN for more than his ability to bring our tax money back home. He is a consistent, principled and thoughtful member of Congress.

Durbin has the intellect and judgment to serve Illinois and the nation well on issues of tremendous importance, such as how to balance our civil rights while still assuring security in the post-9/11 world. He also has the experience and tenure to make sure central Illinois and the rest of the state get a fair shake in Washington, D.C.

Illinois is fortunate to have a senator in Dick Durbin who not only takes care of the needs of his constituents, but who is looked to for leadership at the national level. He has certainly earned a second term in the U.S. Senate.

Publication: State Journal Register
Date: 10/25/02
Author: Editorial

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