Christine Durbin, the eldest daughter of Senator Dick Durbin died today from a congenital heart condition. She was 40 years old. Read more about the situation, see photos and watch a video below.

Christine A. Durbin, was the oldest daughter of Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). She was 40 years old and died in a Washington, DC area hospital from complications relating to a congenital heart condition. She apparently had been hospitalized for several weeks.

“Most of the family was at her bedside when she passed away. She fought a heroic lifelong battle with heart disease and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Durbin family,” said Durbin’s spokesman, Joe Shoemaker.

Chris Durbin worked for 16 years for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington in the emerging markets division. She lived with her husband, Marty Johnson and son Alex in a suburb of Washington.

Her death comes as her father Dick Durbin, the second-ranking Senate Democrat and the Senate Majority Whip, seeks a third term in Tuesday’s general election.

Funeral arrangements for his daughter were not immediately announced.

Illinois Govenor Rod Blagojevich and Senator Barack Obama both offered their condolences to the Durbin family.

“I was stunned and saddened to hear the news of Christine Ann Durbin’s passing. My wife, Patti, and I extend our deepest, deepest sympathy to Dick and Loretta Durbin and the entire Durbin family on their loss,” Blagojevich said in a statement. “I hope all the people of Illinois will join Patti and me in keeping them in our prayers.”

Obama adviser Robert Gibbs said the Democratic presidential candidate called Durbin Saturday afternoon.

We, at Right Pundits, send our deepest condolences to the entire Durbin family.





Dick Durbin on Health Care and daughter Christine Video