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Durbin speaks to John A. Logan class

By Codell Rodriguez, The Southern

Friday, March 28, 2008 11:10 PM CDT

CARTERVILLE - The U.S. Presidential race and national health care were among the topics covered by U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., at a political science class Friday at John A. Logan College.

Durbin was in attendance to talk to the students about what it meant to be the Senate Majority Whip and explained the history of the position and its importance.

He also covered other hot political issues and made no attempt to hide his support for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president. He said Obama's intelligence, charisma and ability to bring people together make him a no-brainer for the position.

"I've been around Illinois politics for a long, long time and I've never seen anyone like Barack Obama," Durbin said.

He spoke highly of the other candidates - Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. - but made it clear that Obama is who he feels is most well-suited for the position. He also said that he ongoing Democratic primary should end soon so the nominee can concentrate on winning the White House.

"I hope this comes to an end soon because I don't like to see Democrats against Democrats," Durbin said.

Durbin answered questions from students and faculty regarding his stance on issues such as the status of national health care and rising fuel prices.

Durbin said the current health care system focuses too much on profit and not enough on the well-being of American citizens.

On fuel prices, Durbin put most of the blame on the greed of oil companies and, to a lesser extent, not enough fuel efficient vehicles.

College President Robert Mees attended the speech and said he was impressed with the Senator's quick answers to the questions and the information he provided about his duties in the Senate.

"I think this was an unbelievable opportunity for students to interact with the majority whip for the Senate," Mees said.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

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