About the Candidate
Name: Richard J. Durbin
DOB: Nov. 21, 1944
Occupation: U.S. Senator
Political Experience: U.S. Senator, U.S. House of Representatives
Website: DurbinforSenate.com
Twitter: @DickDurbin
Candidate Statement
Hi, my name is Dick Durbin. I am honored to serve you in the United States Senate. I’m asking for your support in my reelection campaign. Let me tell you what I believe the priorities are that we face.
First and foremost, the coronavirus pandemic. The numbers in America are terrible in terms of the infection rate and the people who lost their lives to this pandemic. We need real leadership in Washington. I want to be part of that. And I hope with a new president, Joe Biden, get this coronavirus under control.
The fact that we have an infection rate in America five times Canada, and the death-rate from COVID-19 twice Canada just basically tells the story. With real leadership, our nation can start to bring this coronavirus under control. And then, of course, we’ve got to rebuild this economy. Fifty million Americans out of work, thousands, millions of businesses that are gone, maybe gone forever. We’ve got to protect these families and small businesses through this difficult time. Job one.
Job two: start rebuilding this economy the right way to make sure that there are decent wages and benefits and protections for workers moving forward, and that businesses have an opportunity to prosper after they survived this terrible experience.
The third point is one that’s pretty basic. We need to start down the path of bringing America back together. Now, I know we aren’t going to convert everyone on the other side to my beliefs, and I don’t expect us to. But we need to show mutual respect for one another. I think Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the team that do that. And that’s another reason I’m supporting their election.
Don’t forget to vote. If you watch WTTW, you probably never forget to vote. Make sure that your vote counts. Make requests for your paper ballot before October 19th and send it back before October 27th. Be part of this decision process that comes around once every four years. Let’s use this opportunity to build for America’s future.
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I’m running for re-election so that I can continue to champion progressive values, to protect working families, to provide economic opportunity and quality jobs for Illinoisans across the state, and to fight for affordable health care, humane immigration policies, criminal justice reform, our environment, and so much more.
What is your vision for this office?
My goals in the Senate are clear: to continue working for affordable, quality health care for all families; to protect our environment and Lake Michigan; to reduce gun violence and to continue to make certain Illinois families and farmers receive their fair share of federal dollars. And now more than ever, I pledge to work to restore civility to our political arena.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
Providing affordable, quality health care and lowering the cost of prescription drugs is one of the top issues facing Illinoisians and people across this country.
I’ll keep fighting to defend and build on the Affordable Care Act, including preserving protections for people with pre-existing conditions and working to curb junk insurance plans. I’m taking on pharmaceutical companies to bring down the cost of prescription drug prices by cracking down on abusive practices and price gouging. I’ll continue working to address the shortage of rural health care providers to ensure all Illinoisans can get the care they need. And I won’t stop fighting to Increase medical and scientific research funding to help find a cure for diseases like Alzheimer’s.
