Durbin, Schumer prep for fight with donations to Senate colleagues (Majority Leader)

[cali]

By Alexander Bolton - 02/02/10 06:00 AM ET

The second- and third-ranking Senate Democratic leaders are doling out huge sums of cash, laying the groundwork for a leadership race should Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid lose reelection.


Sen. Charles Schumer (N.Y.), the vice chairman of the Democratic Conference, has been the biggest giver to Democratic Senate candidates, contributing $210,000 to colleagues and candidates.

During the same span, Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has given $110,000 to Senate candidates.

The leaders gave money to newcomers and candidates facing tough races. But they also contributed to those whose reelection prospects seem solid, such as Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who last won in liberal Vermont with 71 percent of the vote. While Leahy probably does not need the money for reelection, Durbin and Schumer may feel they need to contribute to his campaign to cement his loyalty.

Both lawmakers gave the money through their leadership political action committees (PACs), which allies say is a sign that they are preparing for a possible leadership battle if Reid (D-Nev.) loses reelection, a prospect that is looking more likely.

Spokesmen for Durbin and Schumer declined requests for comment.

<snip>

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/79163-durbin-and-schumer-lay-ground-for-a-fight

Just my take: Aside from the triple "ew" factor- that these guys are blatantly trying to buy votes- the thought of scummy Schumer as ML, makes my stomach heave. Yes, I think he'd be worse than Harry Reid.

[KharmaTrain]

1. How The Game Is Played...

Money and politicians are joined at the hips, wrists and ankles. A Senate campaign this year is sure to cost 10 million or more (some states could top 100 million)...and as they say, the money doesn't grow on trees.

Honestly, I can't see many worse than Reid...at least with a Schummer or Durbin (who'd I think would make a great leader) we know they'd be more Progressive than the current leader and not afraid to take the fight to the GOOP. I'd like to see a leadership fight, even if Reid does survive re-election.

[cali]

5. Schumer is not more progressive than Reid and

he's more of a slimeball.

[KharmaTrain]

8. A Doornail is More Progressive Than Reid...

I have my problems with Chuckie shilling for his buddy Muck-Assey to cover up the booooshie's crimes, but right now we have a leader whose inept and ineffective. Schummer wouldn't be my first choice...or second or anywhere in the Top 10, but after three years of rolling over to McConnell and the spine of a jellyfish, a MF'er might be what is needed...and Schummer fits the description.

:hi:

[Hawaii Hiker]

2. Couple things:

First, I can accept that Reid may lose his senate race, but why the hell is John Ensign still in office....How did that SOB survive his sex/ethics scandal....That is truly mind-boggling..

I disagree, i think Schumer would be an effective ML...If he was ML, he'd have gone to Reconciliation & health care reform (probably with a public option to) would be a REALITY....

[marmar]

3. American politics is irretrievably ruined by money......

...... Like computer infected with too many viruses and worms to save, it's time for a new model.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[marmar]

6. Hi and (soon) bye !!!

nt

[Tippy]

7. I have always like both men, but herfe of late find Schumer is slipping

For years I've thought Durbin would make a excelent ML....or President..I know people in IL will keep sending him back as long as he wants it.