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Senate Leadership Battle: Who Will Succeed Dick Durbin?
With the upcoming retirement of Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois, speculation is rife regarding who will ascend to the role of Senate Democratic whip, the party’s second-highest leadership position. Three candidates appear to be frontrunners: Senators Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and Patty Murray of Washington.
Currently serving as the chief deputy whip, Schatz has established himself as a key player in Senate discussions and operations. According to Democratic insiders, his performance in managing legislative dynamics positions him advantageously for this role.
Klobuchar, at 64 years old, could potentially pivot toward a Senate leadership position instead of seeking the presidency in 2028, should she decide to enter the race for whip. Meanwhile, Patty Murray, 74, who has filled prominent roles in Senate leadership before, is also anticipated to be a significant contender.
Insiders suggest that while Klobuchar may not be as favored by her colleagues as Schatz, she remains a “talented” leader, particularly strong in public engagements and bipartisan negotiations. A confidant of the Senate Democratic conference remarked, “Schatz, Klobuchar, and Murray are the leading candidates looking to fill the whip position.”
Schatz has garnered a supportive coalition among younger Democratic senators, including Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), which could amplify his campaign for the whip role. Those familiar with the dynamics suggest that his appeal lies primarily in his ability to connect with the party’s younger members and leverage social media effectively.
Leadership elections in the Senate can be unpredictable and depend heavily on personal relationships and behind-the-scenes negotiations. Jim Manley, a former senior aide to notable Democratic leaders, noted Schatz’s strong skills, calling him a “solid, substantive senator” with significant communication abilities. He emphasized the opaque nature of Senate voting, stating, “It’s all done behind closed doors,” but suggested Schatz seems favorably positioned for a leadership leap.
Significantly supporting Schatz’s candidacy is Reema Dodin, his chief of staff, who has substantial experience in legislative affairs, including prior service in President Biden’s administration and with Durbin. As Schatz has initiated conversations with colleagues following Durbin’s announcement that he wouldn’t seek re-election, many view him as actively engaged and well-prepared for a leadership role.
Despite Schatz’s strong position, Klobuchar currently holds the No. 3 role as chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, a position of weight and influence within the party. With an eye on upcoming government funding negotiations, Murray’s focus remains immediate, but she has not dismissed the possibility of a future leadership bid.
Booker, recognized for his influence within the caucus, shares a friendship with Schatz, which diminishes the likelihood of a challenge from him. This situation leaves Klobuchar as a formidable challenger to Schatz. Inside Democratic circles, some speculate that she could be a viable successor to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Klobuchar has been strategic about her future, considering her next moves carefully. If she pursues the whip role, it could complicate her long-term ambitions, particularly given Schumer’s current term, which does not end until 2028, with no signs of him stepping down.
Her past as chair of the Senate Rules Committee and her involvement in the crucial Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act highlights her legislative accomplishments and capability. Furthermore, as the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, she plays a pivotal role in legislative areas significant to the Democratic agenda, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Democratic insiders often draw a connection between Klobuchar and her rapport with voters. Her unexpected success in the 2020 presidential primaries, marked by her unique campaign launch, showcased her resilience and appeal to constituents, attributes that may serve her well in any potential leadership contest.
As Klobuchar weighs her options—whether to run for whip or embark on another presidential campaign against a likely field of strong candidates, including several governors and fellow senators—she faces pivotal decisions ahead. Rodell Mollineau, a Democratic strategist, noted the unpredictability of the 2028 landscape, emphasizing the evolution of competition in the Democratic sphere.
Ultimately, if Klobuchar opts to pursue the whip position, she will be engaging in a competitive landscape against a well-connected Schatz, whose established relationships and fundraising ability potentially bolster his bid for the role. In contrast, Klobuchar’s extensive experience and public profile add a compelling dimension to the unfolding leadership race.
Source
thehill.com