U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says he doesn’t know much about Sarah Palin, who is Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s choice as a running mate, but she recently said something that Durbin finds puzzling.

On Friday, when McCain made the announcement, Palin vouched for McCain as someone who is prepared to defend the United States. Palin cited her experience as commander in chief of the Alaska National Guard, Durbin said.

Such a comparison is inaccurate, Durbin said Tuesday at a State Capitol news conference where he announced his endorsement of congressional candidate Colleen Callahan.

“It is dramatically different,” said Durbin, a Democrat from Springfield. “It isn’t even close.”

Nor does Durbin agree with the characterization that Palin’s experience as governor means she is more prepared than the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

“How you could possibly draw a parallel between that experience as Alaska governor and being a vice president or even president of the United States is a stretch, as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

Obama and Biden, both U.S. senators, have observed federal government closely, and they understand its responsibilities, Durbin said.

Durbin said “the obvious question” concerning Palin is whether she has the ability to lead the country as president.

“If, God forbid, something happened to a President McCain, could she step in as commander in chief and as a leader and lead this nation in times of real challenge?” he said. “That is the question that she only can answer.”

Durbin avoided a reporter’s question about the revelation Monday that Palin’s unmarried 17-year-old daughter is pregnant.

He said he thinks “the hottest ring in hell is reserved for politicians who attack their opponents’ families.”

“The only questions to be asked are of Governor Palin, based on her experience and her view on the issues,” Durbin said.

On Friday, U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, hailed McCain’s selection of Palin as “an outstanding pick” and “out of the box.”

An early supporter of McCain’s presidential campaign, LaHood said Palin is qualified to serve as president if McCain gets elected but cannot complete his term.

LaHood said that Palin, who became governor of Alaska in December 2006, has more executive experience than Obama or Biden.

Adriana Colindres can be reached at (217) 782-6292 or adriana.colindres@sj-r.com.