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Republican Mark Kirk Will Run Against Roland Burris for Illinois U.S. Senate Seat
Illinois GOP Representative Mark Kirk
Looks like GOP Rep Mark Kirk is making the run for an illinois U.S. Senate seat occupied by Roland Burris who was appointed by impeached Governor Blago to replace President Barack Obama.Just hours after Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan took herself out of the running for the seat held by Sen. Roland Burris (D), Rep. Mark Kirk (R) has begun telling influential folks in Washington that he will make the race.
Kirk is widely regarded as the strongest candidate Republicans can field given his proven ability to win votes in a Democratic leaning district and his fundraising prowess.
Kirk has held the 10th district, which went for President Barack Obama with 61 percent in 2008, since 2000 and has beaten back several serious challenges during that time.
He had been expected to make the race for months but backed off when Madigan made it clear she would consider the race.
Kirk starts the race in impressive financial shape after raising $580,000 between April 1 and June 30. He began July with $1.1 million in the bank.
But, conservatives in Illinois are not happy with Kirk and there may be yet another candidate to challenge him in the Republican Primary, Illinois Republican Party Chairman, Andy McKenna.
At least it looks like the GOP will be able to make a credible race of it against the hapless Senator Roland Burris – if indeed he is not forced out for another more electable Democrat such as Tammy Duckworth.
Stay tuned…..
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