Durbin talks to defense nominee about Rock Island

SPRINGFIELD -- U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is telling President Barack Obama's choice for defense secretary not to close the Army's operations at the Rock Island Arsenal.

The Illinois Democrat met with Leon Panetta on Tuesday and told him a bipartisan group of congressmen and senators will work to save the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center.

Durbin says an internal Army task force could recommend closing the center. But he says Army Secretary John McHugh assured him last week that's not the current plan.

Panetta is CIA director and Obama's choice to succeed Robert Gates when Gates steps down later this month.

Durbin says the manufacturing and technology center makes equipment for troops stationed around the world. It employs 1,700 people who manufacture artillery, armor, small arms and mobile maintenance kits.