Durbin backs Reid as Senate leader

SPRINGFIELD – Speculation that U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin could become the most powerful Democratic lawmaker in Washington, D.C., quieted Tuesday night when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid won re-election in Nevada.

Durbin now serves as the Reid's top deputy in the Senate, but Reid faced a tough re-election battle. Observers suggested that a loss by Reid could put the Illinois Democrat on track to become majority leader.

But Reid won.

On a conference call Wednesday, Durbin and New York Sen. Chuck Schumer were asked if they'd support Reid as majority leader. They responded in unison: “Absolutely.”

Their answers quashed any suggestions that Durbin could try to bid for Reid's job even if he won.

On the conference call, the Democrats said they knew they'd have to work with Republicans in the coming years to move laws through the Senate.

“The Senate will be the crucible of the most important issues of our day,” Durbin said.

Democrats retained control of the chamber Tuesday night, but the margin of their majority narrowed.

“The election was tough on all sides,” Reid said.