Oh geez, Durbin must be shaking in his boots!!

[DemKR]

Suburban doctor taking on Durbin

By Eric Krol
Daily Herald Political Writer [e-mail]
Posted Tuesday, May 15, 2007

A Republican suburban physician said Monday he’ll challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, calling him “too liberal” and a “divisive force.”

Dr. Steven Sauerberg filed his federal paperwork last week to start what looks to be an uphill climb against Durbin, who is seeking a third term next year in a state where Republicans have won only one statewide election this decade.

“My feeling is that Durbin just isn’t a good representative in the state of Illinois,” said Sauerberg, 54, of Willowbrook. “I think he’s a divisive force.”

Sauerberg also said he took issue with Durbin’s staunch support of abortion rights but declined to offer specifics on his own position, calling it “complicated.”

Sauerberg, who founded a family practice in LaGrange, said he plans to talk a lot about health care.

“Universal health care that the government runs is not going to be acceptable to most Americans. There’s a way to do it privately,” Sauerberg told the Daily Herald between seeing patients Monday afternoon.

Sauerberg is getting a late start in what promises to be an expensive race. He said he plans to put some of his own money into the contest, but “not enough to make any difference.”

Illinois GOP Chairman Andy McKenna Jr., who has been searching for a candidate to take on Durbin, said Sauerberg is a “serious and credible candidate whose experience as a family doctor provides a welcomed contrast to the tired old ideas of a career politician.”

Durbin spokeswoman Christina Angarola said the senator won’t comment on individual Republican candidates.

“As a candidate for the Republican nomination, this guy will have to compete with Anthony Robert Martin-Trigona, Jim Rowe and anyone else who chooses to join the race. It’s a group we’re guessing will grow,” she said.

That’s a reference to perennial candidate Andy Martin, a Florida conservative online columnist who has come under fire for previous anti-Semitic remarks and has filed paperwork to run. Jim Rowe is a Franklin Park attorney who got 23 percent of the vote against state Sen. Don Harmon last year.

As is common with doctors, a quick check of court filings show Sauerberg has been sued a few times for malpractice, but no details were readily available.

[greatauntoftriplets]

1. This guy sounds like an idiot.

Durbin is very popular in the state and a great senator.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

2. Sheila, aren't almost every one of the Illinois Goopers idiots?

I can't think of one that would be a credible challenger to Dick Durbin.

I'm still hoping for the Milk Nazi to run again. I'd love to see him pour more of his own money down a hole...

[greatauntoftriplets]

3. There IS that.

Every time I drive past the Milk Nazi's place in Oak Park, I give it a dirty look. He's an asshole.

[murielm99]

4. I have been hearing that

the Milk Nazi is going to run for Fat Denny's seat. Fat Denny is not having any fun any more, and he might retire.

[dogfacedboy]

5. That's the talk in the 14th. Fat Denny will be retiring.

I'm sure we can count on the milkman to run.

Before he became a politico, I sure did like his chocolate shakes. Won't go there now.

[mopinko]

7. yup. a warm childhood memory destroyed.

such a treat to take the long walk to oberweis instead of the short walk to the DQ. and the good name they made for themselves as soft hearted people for rescuing baby deer. the best hot fudge sundaes ever. can't go there if they were the only girl in town.

[madrchsod]

6. oooohhhhh nnnoooooooo

please someone stop meeeeeee