Dick Durbin

Dart On Spread Of Foreclosures: "Utter Chaos"

Josh Kalven — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:30:38 -0800

Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Sen. Dick Durbin's proposal to help struggling homeowners by allowing bankruptcy courts to renegotiate the terms of certain mortgages. As we noted on Tuesday, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart flew to Washington to testify before the committee about the foreclosure crisis in Chicagoland. Dart told NBC 5 that the situation represents "utter chaos." Durbin said he doesn't expect his plan to move forward during the lame duck session thanks to a White House that "is not open to the changes that we think will be necessary." Watch:

(H/T HuffPo Chicago)

Durbin's Foreclosure Bill Back On Table

Adam Doster — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:37:48 -0800

Back in April, during the height of the mortgage rescue package negotiations in Congress, we were frustrated to see Senate Republicans and the White House beat down Sen. Dick Durbin's proposal to aid struggling homeowners by allowing the terms of their mortgages to be revised in bankruptcy court. Apparently, so was the Illinois senator. Now, following encouraging testimony late last week from FDIC Chairwoman Sheila Bair in which she unveiled an aggressive plan to help those homeowners facing foreclosure, Durbin is throwing his proposal back on the table:

A U.S. senator on Monday introduced legislation to let judges alter the terms of distressed mortgages in bankruptcy cases, reviving a controversial proposal meant to help troubled homeowners, said an aide to the lawmaker.

Illinois Democrat Richard Durbin unveiled the bill, which his spokesman said would "allow bankruptcy judges to modify mortgages on primary residences."

As Reuters points out, there are a few differences between Durbin's original proposal and this iteration, most of which relate to oversight of the already approved bailout package. But at its core, allowing judges to reduce the amount borrowers snowed over by unaffordable mortgages owe in bankruptcy court is a common-sense solution to the ever worsening foreclosure crisis. When proposed last winter, advocates concluded that such a plan would help 600,000 homeowners keep their homes. And the only reason the banking industry opposed the idea was because, in the words of the Washington Post, "they could be forced to trim their profits."

Cook County Sherriff Tom Dart, who earned some national profile when he issued a brief moratorium on foreclosure evictions in October, will testify in support of the measure during Durbin's hearing tomorrow. We'll keep you posted on the bill's progress.

Chris Durbin Passes Away

Josh Kalven — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:32:10 -0700

Capitol Fax is reporting some sad news: Sen. Dick Durbin's eldest daughter, Christine, died today at the age of 40. The cause of death was "complications relating to a congenital heart condition." The release from the senator's office states that she "fought a heroic lifelong battle with heart disease and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Durbin family."

Ours are as well.

Dick The (Party) Builder

Progress Illinois — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:34:54 -0700

With their sights set on winning a filibuster-proof, 60-seat majority, Senate Democrats are giving generously to the party's fundraising arm. But it's Illinois' own Dick Durbin who set the standard during this election cycle.

The Senate Majority Whip quietly transferred $1 million into the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) in September. Shortly thereafter, Sen. John Kerry followed his lead, Roll Call reports:

Kerry handed over his $1 million to the campaign committee on Sept. 24 but, unlike Durbin, made his contribution public in an e-mail to supporters [...]

Mike Daly, Durbin’s campaign manager, said his boss “thought the best use” of his resources “would be helping to get more Democrats elected in the Senate.”

But while Durbin has given generously to Democrats nationwide, he has also focused on building a better party apparatus here at home.

Campaign finance reports show that on October 9 the Senate Majority Whip gave $200,000 to Illinois Victory '08, a county party committee based in Waukegan. The organization is handling the Democrats' "coordinated campaign" in the state, spearheading field and organizational efforts with a great deal of financial support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

In most states, the coordinated campaign is an extension of the state party, but not so in Illinois, where party chairman Michael Madigan has historically shown little interest in working to support Democratic congressional candidates. As we noted back in June, Durbin has also circumvented Madigan by working with the Democratic County Chairmen's Association to build their own voter file (known as the "VAN") for Illinois Democrats.

In previous election cycles, Democratic campaigns have made up for the state party's negligence by banding together and devising various work-arounds. This year, with Durbin's help, the Democrats appear to be creating something more permanent.

Video: Durbin Responds To Sauerberg's Attack On His Patriotism

Josh Kalven — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:57:37 -0700

Last week, the news coming out of Sen. Dick Durbin and GOP challenger Steve Sauerberg's appearance before the Tribune editorial board was that Sauerberg "backtracked" from his attacks on the senator's patriotism. Courtesy of the Tribune website, we now have video of the full exchange. And Sauerberg really looks ridiculous. Watch it:

When questioned about his patriotism charges, Sauerberg first attributes them to faceless residents of Illinois, whose sentiments he is simply repeating. He says that he himself has "no idea" if Durbin is patriotic, adding, "He probably is a patriotic guy, I would think." When one of the board members presses him further, Sauerberg says of his charge against Durbin, "Maybe that's fair, maybe it's not." But if it might not be fair, why he is repeating it over and over on the campaign trail?

When the discussion turns to support for our veterans, Sauerberg compliments his opponent's work on the issue. Durbin responds, "Pretty good for an unpatriotic senator." Sauerberg answers, "It is pretty good for an unpatriotic senator." The expression on Durbin's face says it all.

Later, the same board member asks Sauerberg about his separate charge that Durbin's first TV ad "exploit[s] our troops." He responds, "Maybe that ... was a little bit too strong. I think I may take that one back a little bit." Huh?

Finally, Sauerberg questions whether "Durbin is responsible" in any way for the scandalous conditions at the Veterans Administration hospital in Marion, IL -- an issue that Durbin has worked tirelessly to investigate and remedy. At this point all Durbin can do is shake his head in disbelief.

The Tribune reported that, following the meeting, the two shook hands and Sauerberg stated, “I apologize for any offense.” But after all his hedging and hiding, his backtracking and apologizing, Sauerberg returned to the well at a debate Thursday night. From the Tribune report:

Only days after backtracking on questioning Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin's patriotism, Republican challenger Steve Sauerberg reheated the issue Thursday by accusing him of actions that "emboldens the enemy" and "puts our soldiers in danger" in Iraq. [...]

[I]n the last debate before the Nov. 4 election, Sauerberg told an Illinois Radio Network audience that he was only voicing a frequent concern of voters by questioning Durbin’s patriotism.

"I have not apologized for my criticism of him on this issue. I did apologize for hurting his feelings," said Sauerberg, a "amily practice physician from Willowbrook. “I don’t want to hurt his feelings about this issue, but I do not apologize for bringing to the attention of the people of the United States of America his behaviors that I think have probably led to possibly more troop hazard in Iraq than if he hadn’t made them. This emboldens the enemy. This probably puts our soldiers in danger." [...]

"You're digging this hole so deep, now suggesting that comments that I made may have made it more dangerous for our troops in Iraq," said Durbin, a two-term senator. "I will tell you doctor, I don’t know where the bottom is anymore in your campaign. … I know you're new to this business. I know you're new to politics, but I will tell you, common decency still works, not only in politics but in medicine and real life."

If you're going to make incendiary charges from a stage, you better be strong enough to stand behind them when sitting elbow-to-elbow with your opponent before a small group of respected journalists and opinion-makers. But watching Sauerberg wilt in the Tribune editorial board meeting, then lash out again at the debate 48 hours later, one word comes to mind.

Weak.

The Durbin Three

Josh Kalven — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:03:34 -0700

During an appearance on NBC 5 back in April, Rep. Jan Schakowsky said she knew of eight House members who intended to support Barack Obama despite the fierce primary battle between him and Sen. Hillary Clinton. Observers like the Politico's Ben Smith dubbed this unnamed group the "Schakowksy Eight."

Well, let me introduce you to the "Durbin Three." From the State Journal-Register's report on Durbin's meeting with the editorial board, during which he described the mess in Springfield as a "Democratic creation":

Durbin also said three people have told him they’re running for governor in 2010, and more could get in the race. He said he won’t endorse Blagojevich or any other candidates until the primary election gets closer.

“It’s going to be a lot different, and it’s going to be extremely political. And I’m just hoping they can finally come to grips with doing something constructive,” Durbin said.

Any guesses who's on Durbin's list?

"The Refuge Of Scoundrels"

Josh Kalven — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:17:00 -0700

In a heated exchange in front of the Tribune editorial board yesterday, Dick Durbin fought back against Steve Sauerberg's recurring claim that the Illinois Senator "undermined the troops" with his controversial 2005 floor statement regarding a report on the acts carried out by U.S. interrogators at Guantanamo Bay. The Tribune's Rick Pearson reports:

"OK, I questioned [Durbin's patriotism]. And maybe that's fair. Maybe it's not," Sauerberg said. He said Durbin's comments and other actions are raised by the public along the campaign trail and "undermine our troops, their ability to fight, our nation's credibility in the world."

"I'm going to question a lot of things about my opponent, his positions," Durbin shot back at Sauerberg, his voice filling with emotion. "I would never question your patriotism. I think that is the refuge of scoundrels. I think what you have done here, to raise a question as to whether I love this country is the lowest form of politics. The lowest."

"I apologize if you're upset with me and I understand, but the fact of the matter is, you shouldn't say these things," Sauerberg said. "People are hurt. They're still hurt." The Republican said every veteran he has spoken with holds Durbin "in great disdain."

"You need to meet more veterans," Durbin said, pointing out he recently received the endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Sauerberg Says Senators Have No "Impact" On Reproductive Choice

Josh Kalven — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:11:42 -0700

WTTW's Chicago Tonight hosted a debate between Sen. Dick Durbin and GOP challenger Steve Sauerberg last night. When the topic turned to social issues, Sauerberg focused primarily on his "personal involvement in crisis pregnancy centers." But not before dropping this little ditty: "[A] U.S. senator doesn't have any impact on any issues in regards to choice versus -- any legislation in that area to speak of."

Well, that's ... just ... not true at all.

Watch it:

If the Senate really has no "impact" on reproductive choice, why would pro-life groups have contributed nearly $6 million to congressional candidates since 1990?

It's certainly true that -- when it comes to overturning Roe v. Wade -- the make-up of the Supreme Court is paramount (though the Senate plays an integral role in determining that composition). But beyond that, Congress can still take legislative action to restrict abortion rights. In the extreme, they can pass a constitutional amendment banning abortion. They can also pass measures in an attempt to force the Supreme Court's hand. As Allison Stevens explains in an article on the competing Partial Birth Abortion Act and Freedom of Choice Act, a battle over choice is indeed being waged on Capitol Hill:

The legislative counteroffensive marks a new era in Congress in which pro-choice lawmakers are taking the offensive, a contrast to the past dozen years, when Republicans held the reigns of power and presided over a series of legislative efforts to restrict access to abortion.

The ban upheld by the court on Wednesday sailed through Congress in October 2003. With the court ruling to uphold it, the law is expected to take effect within the next month.

The House backed the measure 281-142; the Senate 64-34. In both chambers a considerable number of Democrats voted for the bill and Bush signed it into law that November. Until Wednesday, it was held back by legal challenges to its lack of a health exception for the woman.

Under the law, a woman would still be able to access certain kinds of second trimester abortions but would not necessarily be able to have the banned procedure, even if her doctor considered it the safest and best for her individual circumstances. Doctors found guilty of breaking the law could face up to two years in prison.

For more on the debate, check out Rick Pearson's report in the Tribune.

"Don't Give Up"

Josh Kalven — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:16:45 -0700

Sen. Dick Durbin's re-election campaign released this TV ad yesterday, their first of the election cycle:

Amtrak Gets A Boost

Adam Doster — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:41:13 -0700

High-speed rail is making a comeback. Following the lead of the House, the Senate passed a five-year, $13 billion bill to boost funds for Amtrak and expand passenger rail service on Wednesday, the first reauthorization bill since 1997:

The legislation authorizes $2.5 billion a year for Amtrak, almost double its current federal funding level. The money would cover operating and capital expenses, including equipment purchases and railroad repairs. About $1.4 billion would help pay down Amtrak's more than $3 billion in debt.

About $1.9 billion would fund a matching-grant program to encourage states to invest in rail expansion and repair.

The bill couldn't come at a better time. After repeated Republican funding cuts, Amtrak lost its ability to cope with high ridership. And thanks to rising gas prices, climate change, and traffic congestion, ridership increased this year by double-digits over 2007 totals.

What will the bill mean for Illinois commuters? Because funding for the legislation requires further congressional earmarking, that is still unknown. But as the Southern reports, we may get service between Chicago and the Quad-Cities in a few years:

Although money for the program hasn't yet been set aside, the program could mean Amtrak service between Chicago and the Quad-Cities by late 2011. [...]

In addition to setting up the framework for a Quad-Cities link that would also serve Iowa City, Des Moines and Omaha, the program could pave the way for Amtrak to stop in Rockford, with service extending to Dubuque, Iowa.

A Peoria stop also is under consideration.

Sen. Dick Durbin, a big Amtrak advocate, is thrilled with the progress. ''For the state of Illinois, this bill is essential,'' he said. ''The state now has the opportunity to access millions of dollars in federal funding to expand Amtrak service to communities where passenger rail is badly needed.'' All that's needed now is President Bush's John Hancock. Although he threatened to veto a previous Amtrak funding bill earlier this year, this iteration passed by a wide enough margin in both chambers to overcome a veto.