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U.S. Sen. Durbin Says He's Considering Running for Illinois Governor

People
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois)

Illinois' senior U.S. senator is considering a run for governor.

Dick Durbin said Thursday at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia that he's focusing on the presidential race, and will make an announcement when the election's over.
"Regardless of whether I run for another office anytime in my life, I am outraged by what I see in our state. I go down to southern Illinois and have Republican mayors tell me the devastating impact of this budget impact on their local economy. Losing jobs, people losing value in their homes, it is unacceptable."

In his speech - Durbin sharply criticized Republican Governor Bruce Rauner for prioritizing his Turnaround Agenda.
 
"It'd be one thing if all he hurt were millionaires like himself, I'd say, 'Well, suck it up, buddy. That must be what you believe.' But the victims and casualties along the way: The kids in the classroom."

Rauner has said he will run for re-election. He blames Democrats for stalling his controversial plans to weaken labor unions and to encourage economic growth.

Durbin says he'll decide whether to run for governor after talking with his wife.

 

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