Patrick Souders

Why He Matters

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.

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