Don't blame Durbin for government gridlock

Letter-writer John Stoesser is right in that there is certainly no shortage of gridlock and partisanship in Congress.

After all, one party is refusing to do its job and even give a hearing to a Supreme Court nominee. But Mr. Stoesser's April 22 letter is misguided in pointing a finger at Sen. Dick Durbin.

When it comes to important issues affecting our entire country, like immigration and criminal justice, Sen. Durbin has been at the forefront of common sense reforms with wide bipartisan support. He was the most senior member of the Senate Gang of Eight, a group of Republicans and Democrats who worked together for more than a year to develop comprehensive changes to our immigration system.

More recently, Durbin introduced bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation - a bill that actually stands a chance of passing in today's highly partisan environment.

The bill's supporters run the gamut from progressives to Tea Party Republicans, the ACLU and the Koch Brothers.

Clearly, Durbin is willing to work across party lines to achieve important reforms. Others are content playing party politics.

Margaret Hulligan

Buffalo Grove