http://www.last.fm/music/Madeleine+Peyroux
http://www.last.fm/music/Madeleine+Peyroux
THE SENIOR SENATOR FROM ILLINOIS THINKS OBAMA SHOULD RUN FOR PRESIDENT.
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SPRINGFIELDIf the release of his second book Tuesday and an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show on Wednesday weren't enough to keep Barack Obama's name in the headlines, another top Illinois Democrat is urging his senate colleague to run for president.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said Monday that he hopes the first-term senator from Chicago ''seriously considers'' making a bid in 2008.
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2006/10/16/afternoon_evening/doc4533d597b8c24194220902.txt
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Lets parse this a little more closely.
If Obama runs and doesnt do well, Durbin is still senior Senator, and a potential rival for influence in Illinois is weakened.
If Obama runs and has a positive experience, its more influence for Illinois, its more people asking Durbin to introduce them to Obama, and Durbin is still the senior Senator.
If Obama is President of the United States, that certainly doesnt hurt Dick Durbin. It means more Democrat money for Illinois, more Democrat jobs for Durbin and his friends. And it means a vacant Senatorial seat that the Democratic governor of Illinois can fill with one of Durbins friends.
Pro: Durbins endorsement doesnt hurt Obama.
Con: It doesnt mean that much, either.