Kirk Questionable About 2010 Senate Run
Reports conflict on Kirk's intentions
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Republican Congressman Mark Kirk beat Democrat Dan Seals in a closely watched rematch in northern Illinois.
What is going on with Illinois politics this week?
Friday's newest story line has Illinois Rep. Mark Kirk (R) deciding not to run for the open seat of Sen. Roland Burris in 2010, according to the Washington Post. Meanwhile, the folks over at Roll Call, the Capitol Hill insider's blog, quote Kirk as saying that he is still discussing the race with state party chairman Andy McKenna.
Rewind. Word on Wednesday was that Kirk was calling supporters, telling them that he would be running. The Post reported that Kirk had even told National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn of Texas that he would make the race.
Now fast forward 48 hours and the Highland Park Republican, according to the Washington Post, has decided not to run after a meeting of the Illinois Republican congressional delegation on Thursday. His colleagues refused to back him in a primary against McKenna, Crain's Chicago Business reported.
The lack of support may have been over Kirk's support of President Barack Obama's climate change bill.
If Kirk does drop out, it would almost certainly ensure that McKenna would be the Republican's nominee against either state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who has announced an exploratory committee, or Merchandise Mart CEO Chris Kennedy, son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, next fall.
Cheryle Jackson, the president of the Chicago Urban League, has opened an exploratory committee, as well.
Earlier Friday, Burris -- a Chicago Democrat -- said he would not run for a full term in the upcoming race.
Posted Tuesday, Jul 14, 2009 - 1:31 AM CST
