Suburban members of Congress talk priorities as Democratic Senate gives them sway – Daily Herald*

Sen. Dick Durbin is the Senate's No. 2 Democrat as party whip, and his new title will confer clout that benefits Illinois, political expert Kent Redfield said. "Because he will be chairing the committee that will be handling judicial nominations and dealing with immigration legislation and voting rights/election legislation, etc., other members will want to be on good terms with him."