Kirk to run for Obama's old Ill. Senate seat
U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk finally answered the prayers of the state's Republican establishment Monday and launched a bid for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Sen. Roland Burris and formerly filled by President Obama.
He is focusing his campaign on the alleged corruption of Illinois Democrats.
(Al Podgorski/Sun-Times)
A Naval Reserve intelligence officer, Kirk last year became the first congressman since 1942 to serve in a war zone while in office: Afghanistan.
He said Republicans and Democrats alike recognize that his resume and moderate-liberal stands on some social issues make him the best shot Republicans have had at capturing an Illinois Senate seat in years.
Democrats denounced him as a President Bush supporter posing as a moderate. During Kirk's entire speech Monday, protesters could be heard shouting, "Health care now!" and "Shame on Kirk."
But Kirk held his ground on opposition to Obama's health plan for the uninsured. Of the hecklers, Kirk said, "I can see from the crowd here that the Democratic Party appears to be very worried about me, which is why they're here."
Kirk expects the White House to fight for Obama's old Senate seat.
"I think the White House will be heavily involved in this race," he said. "If my opponent in the general election ends up being [state Treasurer and Obama hoops buddy] Alexi Giannoulias, he will call on them for everything he can get. This will be a national race the whole country will focus on." Kirk said he expects both sides to raise and spend $20 million.
Kirk stalled for 2½ months deciding whether to forfeit his seat in Congress to run for Senate, exasperating the state's Republican leaders and prompting Party Chair Andy McKenna to contemplate a run.
But McKenna and the state's other GOP leaders stood with Kirk Monday on the porch of his yellow-framed boyhood home in Kenilworth amid flowers and a flag. Former Gov. Jim Edgar said, "Mark Kirk is a Republican who can win in November."
Though Kenilworth is one of the wealthiest enclaves in the state, Kirk noted he earlier lived in a trailer park in Champaign.
Kirk and McKenna both said they expected a wide-open primary election for Kirk’s congressional seat, similar to the 11-candidate Republican primary Kirk emerged from to take the seat in 2000.
Among the names mentioned on the Republican side are State Reps. Beth Coulson and Sid Matthias.
On the Democratic side, former candidate Dan Seals, who gave Kirk close runs in the last two elections, State Sen. Mike Bond and State Rep. Julie Hamos are running or considering a run.
Kirk said he was not bothered about reports of a CIA plot to kill Al Queda leaders.
“I think in general it’s good to kill Al Queda leaders,” he said.