Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) -- the second- and third-ranking Senate Democratic leaders -- "are doling out huge sums of cash, laying the groundwork for a leadership race should Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) ose reelection," reports The Hill.
"The leaders gave money to newcomers and candidates facing tough races. But they also contributed to those whose reelection prospects seem solid, such as Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who last won in liberal Vermont with 71% of the vote. While Leahy probably does not need the money for reelection, Durbin and Schumer may feel they need to contribute to his campaign to cement his loyalty."