Analysis Summary:

The article appears factually accurate based on the provided verification sources. The claims regarding Durbin's retirement, his position as the No. 2 Senate Democrat, and his years of service are all supported. The article presents the information in a relatively neutral tone, with minimal observable bias.

Detailed Analysis:

• Claim:** Senator Richard J. Durbin’s departure will set off a primary for a rare open Senate seat in Illinois and open a top leadership slot.
  • Verification Source #1: Supports the claim that Durbin is retiring and that this will open a leadership slot.
  • Verification Source #2: Supports the claim that Durbin is retiring.
  • Verification Source #5: Supports the claim that Durbin is retiring.
• Claim:** He said it was time to “face reality” and make way for someone new.
• This is a direct quote attributed to Durbin. While the provided snippets don't directly quote this, the overall context of retirement announcements (Verification Source #1, #2, #5) suggests this is plausible and likely accurate.
• Claim:** Durbin is the No. 2 Senate Democrat.
  • Verification Source #1: Explicitly states Durbin is the No. 2 Senate Democrat.
  • Verification Source #2: Explicitly states Durbin is the No. 2 Senate Democrat.
  • Verification Source #3: Explicitly states Durbin is the No. 2 Senate Democrat.
  • Verification Source #5: States Durbin is the Senate's No. 2 Democrat.
• Claim:** Durbin served 44 years in Congress.
  • Verification Source #1: States Durbin will retire after 44 years in Congress.
  • Verification Source #3: States Durbin will retire after 44 years in Congress.
  • Verification Source #5: States Durbin will retire after 44 years in Congress.
• Claim:** Durbin was first elected 30 years ago.
  • Verification Source #2: States Durbin was first elected 30 years ago. This contradicts the claim of 44 years in Congress. This discrepancy suggests the 44 years refers to total time in Congress (House and Senate), while 30 years refers specifically to his Senate tenure.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

• Agreement:** All sources (Verification Source #1, #2, #3, #5) agree that Durbin is retiring.
• Agreement:** All sources (Verification Source #1, #2, #3, #5) agree that Durbin is the No. 2 Senate Democrat.
• Agreement:** Verification Source #1, #3, and #5 agree that Durbin served 44 years in Congress.
• Disagreement:** Verification Source #2 states Durbin was first elected 30 years ago, which seems to refer to his Senate tenure, while other sources refer to his total time in Congress.
• Lack of Coverage:** None of the snippets provide the direct quote, "face reality," but the context implies its plausibility.