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Durbin, GOP opponent Sauerberg face off in first debate
By Deanna Bellandi
Associated Press
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CHICAGO -- Republican Senate candidate Steve Sauerberg accused incumbent Dick Durbin of turning a blind eye to Democratic dysfunction in Springfield and also called for keeping American troops in Iraq as the two candidates met Monday in their first debate.

Durbin, seeking a third term in the U.S. Senate, countered that Sauerberg would end the Medicare and Medicaid health programs if he could. He also reminded voters of his clout in Washington as the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate.

The two debated for only about 25 minutes during the public television program “Chicago Tonight.” Still, the face-off offered Sauerberg a rare moment in the spotlight to challenge Durbin and let voters know the Senate seat is up for grabs next month.

Sauerberg, a Willowbrook physician, linked Durbin to problems at the state Capitol, where Democratic leaders frequently butt heads and accomplish little.

“I feel badly that Sen. Durbin hasn’t taken a more aggressive role in helping these people find their way, as a powerful person in this state,” he said. “He should be having a huge impact on what’s going on in Springfield and he has chosen not to do so.”

Sauerberg called this a critical time in Iraq that calls for keeping U.S. troops there to help Iraqis. The United States can end up strengthening its national security and making life better for Iraqis, he said.

“We can’t afford to leave,” Sauerberg said.

He also accused Durbin of comparing U.S. troops to Nazis, saying many Illinois veterans are angry with Durbin.

Sauerberg was referring to a comment Durbin made in 2005 saying prisoners at Guantanamo Bay were receiving treatment that sounded like something “done by Nazis, Soviets in their gulags or some mad regime.” The comment made no reference to U.S. troops.

Durbin said Monday night that he was among the first senators to call attention to treatment at Guantanamo, though he wound up apologizing for “some words” he used.

“They weren’t used in reference to any soldiers, doctor,” Durbin said. “They were in reference to whoever was involved in what the FBI agents found at Guantanamo.”

Durbin argued the United States can’t afford to keep spending $10 billion to $15 billion a month, along with soldiers’ lives, to rebuild Iraq. He called for a “systematic, sensible withdrawal.”

Durbin repeatedly accused Sauerberg of opposing efforts to expand access to health care.

“He’s the only medical doctor I have ever met who says outright, flat out, ‘I’m opposed to extending children’s health insurance protection to the kids of families who don’t have health insurance,”‘ Durbin said. “He is the only doctor I’ve met in 30 years who says he wants to, quote, get rid of Medicare and Medicaid.”

Sauerberg said Durbin misrepresented his views. He said everyone in the country should have private health insurance that could not be revoked and would be bought, in part, with government aid.

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Reader comments on this story - 12 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

SemiNormal wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:00 AM:

" Durbin is +27 in the polls. Good luck. "

Cthulhu wrote on Oct 8, 2008 3:25 PM:

" Why isn't there more outrage against Durbin? C'mon, people, this guy was calling our troops Nazi's! Who in their right mind would vote for this joker? "

logicguy wrote on Oct 8, 2008 12:16 PM:

" It doesn't matter, airhead, the correct vote is anyone but Durbin. "

airhead wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:57 AM:

" One thing I have heard lately is that McCain wants to take millions or bilions away from medicare. Is that what Sauerbrauten wants to do too? It is funny because yesterday I saw a Durbin sign and I wondered who his opponent was. As a person who always votes republican wouldn't or shouldn't I have been one of the first to know? "

DT wrote on Oct 8, 2008 7:16 AM:

" Meaningful change would be getting rid of Durbin. He has clout but he represents the plaintiff bar and the east coast democrats rather than the citizens of Illinois. This change would bring hope that Illinois had at least one senator representing our interests. "

Jarhead71 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 6:45 PM:

" Doctor Steve, you have my vote! Durbin was part of the robbing of American working class pay and investments to bailout Wall Street. Durbin has forgotten whom it is that he was elected to serve. Durbin has to go! "

retired wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:07 AM:

" pirate is right. its time for a change. time to change the currant administration that advocates spending billions overseas while turning a blind eye to the needs of americans here at home. for those that want to stay in iraq. declare victory, make it a us teritory like puerto rico and then the oil is ours. otherwise get out. we are not a country of nation builders or the worlds policeman. we have gotten zero return for all the capital spent there both human and monetary. "

OGS wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:36 AM:

" Send A Clear Message
Washington, You're Fired!
Vote 3rd Party

Durbin has done a terrible job.
Sauerberg is no better as he will tow the party line.
Consider Larry Stafford the 3rd Party Option! "

Quazy wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:03 AM:

" All he does is complain, when he is in a great position to actually do something about various issues. Vote him out. "

The Cat wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:07 AM:

" Dump Dickie Durban. "

2tired wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:03 AM:

" It's time to vote out Durbin, he is one that voted in the bonus for the bankers. Now since small business are failing since the banks will not loan them money. This bail out is working real well, but I guess they got cheaper rum. "

Pirate wrote on Oct 7, 2008 7:47 AM:

" It's time for a change. We have to make our own term limits when we vote. Dubin has had his time in the Senate. It's time for a new face and new ideas. "
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