Durbin's rival, dairy magnate and GOP state Sen. Jim Oberweis, is considered a long shot to unseat the Senate's second-ranking Democrat. Yet Durbin has staffed up statewide field offices, brought on social media-savvy campaign veterans and banked more than $6 million.
Durbin says he doesn't want to underestimate Oberweis, who has personal wealth and statewide name recognition. But the decision also could be part of a wider Democratic strategy to paint Republicans as wealthy and out of touch.
Oberweis says he once thought Durbin was unbeatable too. But he now believes the three-term senator is vulnerable. He says voters are sick of "career politicians."