WASHINGTON — Sens. Chuck Schumer and rival Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) each doled out huge amounts of campaign cash to buy goodwill with their colleagues, as the pair ramped up their battle to succeed Democratic leader Harry Reid should he fall.
Schumer spent the most — just over $200,000 to Durbin’s $110,000, according to recent campaign-finance reports.
They spread the money far and wide, including $10,000 Schumer gave to Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland and Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont — two of the safest seats in the chamber.
Capitol Hill insiders say it’s not unusual for big fish like Durbin and Schumer, the Senate’s No. 2 and No. 3 Democrats, respectively, to spend years angling for the post and to have backroom deals brokered well before they make their move.
“They are doing what they should be doing if they want to be leader,” a senior Democratic aide said. “I’d bet on Schumer. He’s just tireless.”
Neither of the contenders is expected to openly challenge Reid (D-Nev.) if he survives a tough re-election race this year.
Schumer’s and Durbin’s offices declined to comment.
Both are well positioned to take over as leader.
Schumer spent two election cycles as chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), helping his colleagues win their Senate seats. He also enjoys the clout from close ties to Wall Street.
As whip, Durbin has spent years building relationships with the chamber’s Democrats.
Allies of both lawmakers denied there was a leadership fight brewing.