Kirk Will Campaign For Oberweis in Senate Race

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk says he'll now campaign for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jim Oberweis, weeks after saying he wouldn't actively campaign for the dairy magnate.

Last month, Kirk said he'd support Oberweis, but wouldn't campaign with the state senator from Sugar Grove so he could protect his relationship with Sen. Dick Durbin, a Chicago Democrat.

But during a stop in Quincy on Tuesday, Kirk told the Illinois Radio Network he will campaign for Oberweis after all.

Kirk says he doesn't believe the decision will affect his "very good relationship" with Durbin, who's running for a fourth term.

Kirk and Durbin have worked together and have had a public friendship, particularly after Kirk suffered a stroke in 2012.

Oberweis says his name recognition will help his U.S. Senate campaign. However, Oberweis has been under fire in the past, including for remarks about immigrants.

Durbin told IRN he wasn't aware of Kirk's turnaround.