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Durbin Re-Elected, Says Republican Senate Could Help Obama

durbin.senate.gov / senatoroberweis.com

Republicans are poised to take control of the U.S. Senate. Democratic Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, who won re-election Tuesday, says a change in party control could actually aid President Obama.

Durbin was among the few bright spot in an otherwise gloomy day for Democrats in the U.S. Senate. He won his fourth term by defeating Republican Jim Oberweis.

But Durbin’s fellow Democrats in other states didn’t fare as well. The GOP won more than enough seats to gain control of the Senate.

Durbin says that could force Republicans to work better with the President.

"It’s time for them to have a more constructive conversation about solving problems. Not just budget problems, but immigration problems, problems dealing with the future of education and law enforcement. All of those things I think we can come together and handle more effectively."

Durbin said yesterday’s election outcomes had more to do with individual candidates and issues, than a referendum on Obama’s policies. But the President’s low approval rating is reflective of the majority of the nation’s disapproval.

Illinois State Senator Jim Oberweis, who lost to Durbin, says he was simply outspent in his latest campaign run.

Oberweis sought the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in 2002 and 2004. He also ran for governor in 2006.

Oberweis doesn’t rule out running for another office in the future.

"I have no intention to do so. Unfortunately I said the same thing 10 years ago. If I’m convinced that I can help my party, that I can try to help our state, our country be a better country, then I’m not closing the door. But I certainly have no intentions at this time."

The Aurora native has two years left as a state senator for the 25th district which includes Batavia and Naperville. Oberweis received 43 percent of the vote to Durbin’s 53 percent.

Editor's note: WBEZ's Yolanda Perdomo and Michael Puente contributed to this story.

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