In a remarkable twist, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) revealed Friday he won’t challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to succeed Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) as Democratic leader once he retires in 2016.
“Senator Durbin told Senator Schumer late last night that he wasn’t running for Leader, and that Schumer has his support,” a Durbin spokesman said in an email. “Durbin intends to run again for Whip and has Senator Reid’s support. He’s been speaking with senators this morning.”
Schumer, having also secured Reid’s backing for the job, is now the overwhelming favorite.