Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk is running for the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.
Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk is running for the U.S. Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama. Kirk said he hopes to repair the damage done to Illinois’ reputation since Democrat Roland Burris was appointed to the Senate seat by former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who’s accused of trying to sell that seat. "I think this is the chance to put forward a strong candidacy, to renew the two-party system in Illinois, but maybe most importantly restore ethics and integrity to Illinois government," Kirk said during an interview Monday on Chicago’s WLS Radio. "We’re just a laughingstock in Washington." Burris has decided not to seek a full term. Kirk is in his fifth term representing Illinois’ 10th Congressional District, which stretches north of Chicago to almost Wisconsin and borders Lake Michigan. Before serving in the House, Kirk worked on the staff of his predecessor, Republican Rep. John Porter, at the World Bank, the State Department, the law firm Baker & McKenzie, and on the staff of the House’s International Relations Committee. Kirk, 49, is also a Naval Reserve intelligence officer, holding the rank of commander. ______ Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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