Patrick Souders
Chief of Staff to Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill) (since 2007)
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Few bills hit the Senate floor without the approval of Souders. The chief of staff to Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) plays a role in almost every daily decision that is made, and his influence only increased once the Democrats retook the majority in 2007.
It is a role that Souders has been preparing for since he graduated from college at Marquette University and joined Durbin's staff as an intern. Souders has been with Durbin since, and has held almost every job in the senator's office, a testament to the strength of the loyalty between Durbin and his staffers.
- Alma Mater: Marquette University, B.A., 1991; Georgetown University, M.A., 2999
- Office: 309 Hart Senate Bldg., 202-224-2152
- Web site
Souders was born in Quincy, Ill. He attended Marquette University, and earned a B.A. in communications in 1991.
Souders moved to Washington that summer to intern for then Rep. Durbin. He was hired later that year as a legislative assistant. He was named downstate Illinois political director in 1995, a position he held for a year, before he became political director for Durbin's first Senate campaign in 1996.
Souders has called Durbin "part vote counter and part traffic cop," a job description that also applies to Souders. The chief of staff has become an expert in floor operations and appropriations. He helps Durbin and Senate Democrats move their agendain a Senate that often demands 60 votes for anything tangible to happen.
Souders oversees both Durbin's majority whip office and his personal staff. He also coordinates with members of Illinois' 21-member House delegation.
Souders works with Durbin communications director Joe Shoemaker.
He is also in close contact with staffers in Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid's (D-Nev.) to coordinate the Democratic message. Those staffers include Rodell Mollineau, James P. Manley, and Gary Myrick.
- Friel, Brian et al, "Senate Leadership," National Journal, June 23, 2007
- Almanac of the Unelected, 2008 edition
- Almanac of the Unelected, 2008 edition
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