Practically speaking, Durbin would be a much better leader than Reid

[WildEyedLiberal]

For the following reasons:

1) He is a solid, outspoken liberal. He will not dilute the party message with his own personal conservatism. I do not feel that a pro-life Mormon from a conservative state who voted for the abominable bankruptcy bill is an effective mouthpiece for my party.

2) He is from a relatively safe seat in a reliably blue state. He is free to be an outspoken, ballbusting liberal without worrying about appeasing the constant bogeyman of the "red state voter."

3) He fulfills the "ambition" requirement; I do not believe Durbin is interested in moving beyond the Senate.

My wish that he replace Reid is not a spur-of-the-moment hissy fit over the events of yesterday, although yesterday cemented my poor opinion of Reid and perfectly crystallized why I want him out of his leadership role. We need a feisty blue state liberal to lead our caucus, because they are the only ones who consistently represent Democratic values.

Thoughts?

Note: I am not advocating that Reid lose his seat. Only that he be replaced as Minority leader because I do not feel that he has been at all effective in leading our caucus, with yesterday's debacle being just the latest example.

[0007]

1. I like Durbin and no he would be good. But I'd go with Barbara Boxer

before Durbin.

[WildEyedLiberal]

3. I chose Durbin because he is the current second in command

But Boxer of course fulfills all three of my requirements as well. In fact, possibly more so, because I think (as an Illinoisan) that her seat is ultimately safer than Durbin's. She received the most votes of any non-national candidate ever in 2004, all while being as liberal as she can be.

[madokie]

2. I like Harry and I feel he done what needed to be done when he became

the minority leader but he has his limitations. I think Senator Durbin would make a great voice for the Democrat party. Easy to listen to, smart as a whip, quick on his feet and with a heart as big as the whole outdoors. As honest as the day is long.