Rep. Mark Kirk is getting hammered by Republicans and conservatives for his vote in favor of Friday's "Cap and Trade" global warming legislation.
Greg Hinz seems to think that his vote makes Kirk more likely to run statewide, for the US Senate.
But President Obama's home state now is bright blue and Mr. Kirk's "yes" vote would be helpful, maybe very helpful in rebutting Democratic charges in a statewide race that Mr. Kirk is just another out-of-touch Republican.
Mr. Kirk wasn't available to discuss his vote, and his office hasn't even released a statement. But his voting record has drawn consistent applause from environmentalists, who compose a big chunk of the base vote in Mr. Kirk's north suburban district.
I disagree, and think that it's more likely he now runs for re-election to the House in Illinois' Democratic-leaning 10th District. Thoughts?
I have never thought the way to win as a Republican was to act a lot like a Democrat.
I hope this vote was based on his actual convictions on the subject instead of a political calculation. That said, while I might respect him for voting his principles on this, it would not make me more likely to support him in a primary. I hope he is not going to run statewide, unless it is for something like Treasurer.
I'm with IP. This wasn't a statewide vote, it was a vote for his current distict. He's not going anywhere.
It does sound like Kirk might be staying put. I think Sen. Rutherford is running for Treasurer and I don't think he would have voted for Cap and Trade.
I think Kirk stays right where he is--with a vote like that, he'd have a tough time in a state-wide primary, I think; and he apparently met with Nancy Pelosi to discuss this, according to some reports. If that's true, I can't imagine much Republican support for him for any other office.
It's an absolute disgrace that a known RINO like "Arlen" Kirk was invited to speak at the Lincoln Day dinner.
His vote for Cap & Trade is entirely consistent with who Mark Kirk is.
Rutherford is actually just about the same cat as Kirk with small variations.
Run, the only reason I said Treasurer is because that office isn't involved in making social or environmental policy. Kirk seems like a decent guy - probably could do a fine job in such an office. Sec of State would be fine too.
I said Treasurer is because that office isn't involved in making social or environmental policy. Kirk seems like a decent guy - probably could do a fine job in such an office. Sec of State would be fine too.
The only problem with your suggestion is that these offices are often used as stepping stones for higher office. Giving Kirk statewide "credibility" would be a mistake if you don't want to see him ever move on to higher office.
Remember how Frerichs fooled so many people when he ran for county auditor. "Mike is a nice guy, it's just a backwater county office." Now we're stuck with Senator Frerichs.
good point
I thought Kirk was a lot smarter than this. I think he blew any shot he had at higher office.
Meanwhile, Burris is the least popular Senator in the country and has no Republican challenger.
Kirk usually follows his convictions and represents his district. Unlike probably anyone on this blog, he had the opportunity to actually read this bill rather than draw conclusions based upon others views who may or may not have access to the bill. His vote on this bill will not diminish his opportunity to receive my future vote.
Oil Man-it will if you live outside of his district because he won't get though a primary.
As a daily listener to Don and Roma on WLS, I often get to listen to Mark Kirk--almost on a weekly basis. I had thought well enough of him to send him $25 for his campaign. Now I regret that decision in light of his vote on cap and tax. So I have let his office know via email. He won't be getting any more of my money.
I agree with the IlliniPundit: This guy isn't running for state-wide office. He's staying where he is. This vote wouldn't get him through the state-wide primary.
On a side note: I read somewhere (I believe on his website) that Mark Kirk and his wife are separarted. Given all the nonsense that politicians pull, when I read this, I wondered what skeletons (if any) hang in Kirk's closet. I wonder if they (were they to exist) would de-rail a state-wide run. Not trying to start rumors here . . . just wondering.
I heard that DON WADE interview...it reminded me of the DICK DURBIN interviews. When Wade asked him about the cost, he launched into this long winded commentary on why we need renewable energy. The argument has never been the need for renewable energy....we all agree on that. This guy is slimy....