Durbin To Chair Giannoulias Campaign, Tells Him To Be 'Forthcoming'

By Prescott Carlson in News on Feb 8, 2010 10:30PM

With the Democrats clinging to their "59 vote minority" in the U.S. Senate, it's not surprising that the senior senator from Illinois Dick Durbin is on board to help get Alexi Giannoulias elected to the Senate in November. At a news conference at his Springfield home yesterday, Durbin announced that ye would chair Giannoulias' campaign, helping to "get out the vote" to overcome being the "underdogs" in the campaign fundraising arena compared to the other candidate, Republican Mark Kirk.

The Senate seat became up for grabs after Sen. Roland Burris, who was appointed to the seat after its previous occupant, Barack Obama, went on to become POTUS, wisely decided not to run. Durbin said he thinks Giannoulias is the "best choice" for the advancement of the President's economic policies.

But while Durbin agreed to help Giannoulias, is he doing it begrudgingly? Durbin remained mum during the primary race, refusing to hand out what would have been a very politically valuable endorsement. And speaking at an Old Town bakery this morning, he made a statement about issues at the Giannoulias family's Broadway Bank, with an undertone of, "Look, kid, I'll back you because you're politically useful, but there had better not be any surprises," saying:

I believe [Giannoulias] will be more forthcoming. There are some things we do know and should acknowledge... He's talked to me about it what happened there, he's very proud his father started this bank and built it up from nothing. The controversy there whether it reflects on Alexi himself personally or the banking practices remains to be seen, but I've encouraged him to answer all the questions.

Whether Giannoulias will take Durbin's advice and start talking to the press about little things like his relationship with mobster Michael "Jaws" Giorango has yet to be seen.