Chicago's Political News and Analysis Blog

Covering Chicago's nine political influencers

Mark Kirk

By Ward Room Staff

| Wednesday, Jan 19, 2011 | Updated 5:59 PM CST

View Comments ()

GOP'er in independent's clothing?

Senator Mark Kirk won Illinois junior Senate seat by beating a powerful and cunning opponent: himself.

Halfway through his campaign against Alexi Giannoulias, Kirk was accused of not only inventing military credentials but also awkwardly trying to coverup his mistruths. But what began as a rough summer ended with a triumphant fall -- Kirk beat his Democratic opponent, Alexi Giannoulias, 48.4% to 46.1%.

Kirk now enters office as a self-described bipartisan policy wonk. The test now is whether he can master Washington's political system and retain his independent reputation.

Latest News: