104 Comments - How Ironic - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:03 am: Although we differ greatly on our political views, I wish Sen. Kirk a speedy and full recovery. - Palatine - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:03 am: Although we disagree on political ideals, I truly hope that you may have a speedy recovery. I wish you well and will pray for your recovery. - Ray del Camino - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:03 am: It takes guts to come back strong from a stroke. He’s got the guts. - Shore - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:04 am: Senator it warms me on this cold today to know that over the last few years you’ve been reading my proudly pro-MSK comments on this blog. I hope you get better quickly and know that while the media says you won’t be back in action for a few months, in MSK fashion you are probably already back at work. Go trevians! - JustaJoe - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:09 am: Wishing a speedy & full recovery, I’ll point others to a good editorial in the State Journal Register today: http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x1251832491/Our-Opinion-Kirk-is-a-voice-of-reason-in-the-Senate - OneMan - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:12 am: Get better, you seem to annoy the right people regardless of party. We need more of that. - Steve Brown - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:12 am: Worked on some Waukegan Harbor area projects with the Sen. Kirk was in the US House and while don’t frequently like Rs he was very solid. He can count on being in our prayers for a full and speedy recovery - Y2D - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:13 am: Good luck in your recovery! - Aldyth - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:14 am: Speedy recovery and good health, Senator. We’re looking forward to regular updates on your recovery and return to the Senate. - Scoot - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:15 am: It’s nice to have somebody to look up to who is above the petty politics and is able to compromise. I hope you have a fast and healthy recovery Senator. Take care. - Retired Non-Union Guy - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:17 am: As one of the few more of less conservatives on the blog, I pretty much agree with a lot of your political views and hope you’re back in Washington soon representing me. - one of the 35 - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:18 am: Senator Kirk: Wishing a speedy recovery to one of the few elected officials who really understands that you can’t continue to spend more than you take in. We need you. - Stooges - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:20 am: I happen to agree with Senator Kirk on most issues, and wish him a fast recovery. - Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:20 am: Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery, Senator. The Senate is poorer for your absence from it. - Irish - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:20 am: Wishing Senator Kirk a complete and speedy recovery. I have always been a fan of Senator Kirk as he represents what attracted me to the GOP. He is willing to talk and compromise. If there were more Republicans like him I would not be distancing myself from that party. Thank you Senator Kirk for your service and I am hoping you will be back in Washington soon. - Niles Township - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:21 am: Senator, Take the time you need to rehabilitate and come back strong. We need your voice in Washington and here in Illinois. Too many on both sides of the aisle are inflexible in their approach and views. Your proud moderation on many important issues is so necessary in today’s world. Get well soon! - I'm Just Saying - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:21 am: God Bless you Senator, we hope to see you back on the hill soon!!! - Adam Smith - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:27 am: We’ll see you back in the saddle soon. There’s still much for you to do. God Bless. - soupperk - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:28 am: Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Senator. Godspeed! - Boone Logan Square - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:29 am: Hope to see you on your feet and battling the Asian Carp soon. - mark walker - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:30 am: Good luck to you. Remember a lot of fellow veterans get thru challenging rehab from brain injuries, with excellent recoveries. You’re in good company. - wizard - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:31 am: Good luck on your recovery. You can and will overcome this I am sure. From a fellow conservative. - A.B. - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:35 am: I only want the best for a man that I know and respect above all others on the national stage. Keep fighting Mark and continue to fight as the moderate lion so many of us know and admire. - Siyotanka - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:35 am: Smooth seas and calm winds…my friend. Get well and relax, the universe will take over from where you left off… - Wensicia - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:35 am: When he represented the tenth district, Kirk always pushed for legislation to improve our communities and lives; his work as Senator has followed this pattern. Best wishes for a full recovery from a grateful Democrat! - Ken in Aurora - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:35 am: Best wishes for a rapid recovery, Sen. Kirk! Embrace the rehab, they only seem like torturers. - Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:36 am: Sen. Kirk, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. All of Illinois is in your corner, and will be with you for every step in your recovery. - dupage dan - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:37 am: We got your back, Senator. Prayers for a speedy recovery. - Laura McFarland-Taylor - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:40 am: Senator Kirk, I am so glad you did not ignore the warning signs! Wishing you all the best on your road to recovery. I hope it helps to know how many people, on all sides of the aisle, are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers. - thechampaignlife - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:40 am: Get well soon, Senator! With your regular informational emails and surveys, you’re by far the most in touch elected official I have. Snaps for that and keep up the good work! - Stringer Bell - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:43 am: I had the opportunity to hear you speak last week at State Farm, and was quite impressed. While I certainly don’t agree with you on a number of issues, I found that I agreed on more than I expected, and I respected your views on the ones I didn’t. Your willingness to respect both sides and work towards compromise makes me proud to have you representing our state. Our thoughts and prayers are with you towards a full and speedy recovery. Get well soon, Senator. - Cheryl44 - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:44 am: Senator, you need anything, I’m right across the street. - Robert - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:45 am: Sen. Kirk, When I heard the news, I felt for your family and then I also thought “God, why him? Sen. Kirk uses that brain - he really seems to think through issues rather than seeing which way the wind is blowing or sticking to a rigid ideology.” Like everyone, I wish you the best and I know you’ll do well in the rehab. - Rahm's Parking Meter - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:47 am: Though we disagree on a lot, Senator, and we do agree on some foreign policy issues, you were kind when you spoke at my synagogue a few months ago, even when I stated that I was a member of the opposing party. Wishing you nothing but a healthy and speedy recovery, and I hope to see you back at work for the state of Illinois real soon. - WazUP - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:47 am: Thoughts and Prayers are with you! - Demoralized - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:47 am: Wishing you a speedy recovery Senator. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - LG - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:49 am: I’ve worked with Senator Kirk on education issues over the past 10+ years. He is passionate, tough and tenacious. Those qualities will bring him through the physical challenges ahead. I hope these good wishes will further encourage him as he recovers. - Long Time Lurker - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:53 am: Senator Kirk, Thanks for always standing up for your beliefs and for representing our state with dignity. You have our thoughts and prayers with you on your journey back to good health. - Esquire - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:54 am: Get well soon, Senator Kirk. I hope that you will back in the US Senate in a few months. - South of Sherman - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:54 am: Mark Kirk is what every conservative — every politician — ought to be: thoughtful without being wishy-washy, principled without being rigid, genuinely willing to reach across the aisle and not just pay lip service to the concept. I didn’t vote for him last time, but I am proud to call him my senator. I have no doubt he will continue to set a standard for others to follow as he embarks on his path to full recovery. - Dirt Digger - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:54 am: Sen. Kirk, I am a Democratic opposition researcher and have had the challenge of examining your record twice. In both cases I found no major objections, and I cannot say you at any less fitting for Illinois than your senior colleague. You are one of perhaps half a dozen elected officials in either party in the entire country whom I view as suitable for the job. Also, if you don’t get better and we are thrown once again on the mercy of the appointment of another halfwit governor I am going to lose my mind. Recover, and enjoy a long career. - Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:54 am: Senator, perhaps next year you’ll avoid the deep-fried ice cream at the Illinois State Fair. In retrospect, I’m kinda glad I passed up your offer to buy me one. Get well, stay strong and we’ll all see you very soon. - Louis G. Atsaves - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:57 am: Mark, you’ve always given me straight answers to issues over the years when I met you privately and in public. It wasn’t easy being one of a handful of Greek-Americans to support you for election so I expect that Kirk fighting spirit to kick into overdrive. May you have a speedy recovery and a quick return to doing what you do best: being a good public servant! Soon we will be running into each other at our local Mobil station or CVS. Looking forward to it. Friends like you are hard to come by! Your Township Republican Chairman Louis G. Atsaves (a/k/a “Big Guy” to you) - Dan Shields, Springfield, IL - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:00 am: Senator Kirk, Praying you make a speedy and full recovery. - Michele - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:02 am: Joining all those who disagree on some things but still maintain the utmost respect. Thoughts and prayers are with you. - Bluefish - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:02 am: Wishing you a quick and full recovery. - Bill F - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:03 am: I’ve worked for several campaigns against you, and have learned plenty from it. You’re a smart guy, a great politician, and there’s plenty of good reasons folks on the other side of the aisle and who disagree with you like you. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. Keep your spirits up and know that a lot of people are pulling for you. - Deep South - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:03 am: Get well soon Senator. We can’t let that Durbin guy have all the fun! - amalia - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:05 am: Senator Kirk, I’m a Democrat, but I think you are doing a good job and I admire your rise from staffer to the House and now the Senate. you are a welcome presence at events, a thoughtful participant in discussions especially with Senator Durbin, and in a world of screamers and extremists you are a moderate voice of dignity. those you know are all right there with you in this new challenge. but those you don’t know, have not even yet met, will be new support to you. count us all in to help you get back to your work of public service. - Fan of Cap Fax - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:17 am: Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Senator! Illinois needs your presence in Washington, get well soon. - Springfield - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:18 am: Our prayers are with you, Senator. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery! - Missing Illinois - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:20 am: Best wishes to you Senator. Hope you return to service soon. - cate - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:21 am: This is so sad - wishing Senator Kirk a full recovery. He is a good person and a terrific member of Congress. - Ahoy - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:24 am: Senator, I’ve always appreciated you’re honest straight forward approach. You earn respect from those who disagree with you and I admire your work ethic. I pray that you will have a full and speedy recovery and that you will be granted strength throughout the process and your family will be comforted. - Nikoli - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:29 am: Get well Senator. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - John A Logan - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:29 am: I want to wish Senator Kirk a full and speedy recovery. No one has been a more vocal critic of Sen Kirk, I campaigned against him during the the republican primary, and vote for Alexi. Despite all of that, I respect his service to the country and think that in his time in the senate he has far exceeded my expectation of him. Get well soon sir, Illinois and the nation needs all hands on deck during these difficult times and the senate will be lacking during your absence. - Pete Giangreco - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:30 am: Mark Kirk is a tough competitor. His family has it right, he will fight his way through this. Godspeed, Senator. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery. - downhereforyears - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:31 am: Senator, my prayers and thoughts are with you. No doubt in my mind you will make a full recovery. Illinois needs you! - Elizabeth Austin - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:34 am: Senator Kirk, You face a great challenge, but we know that you have the strength and determination you will need in the days ahead. Best wishes for a swift recovery. - Steve Downstate - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:35 am: I did not vote for you, Senator, but I wish you all the best during your recovery process. Prayers for your continued healing. - bored now - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:36 am: while i’m not a fan, i, too, wish the senator a speedy and full recovery… - Plutocrat03 - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:39 am: Hope to see you at the gym soon. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. - danny - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:42 am: Senator Kirk, Thanks for representing our state and I wish you a speedy recovery. I often refer to use as an example of what a politician should be: true to their values, but willing to compromise. Though we may disagree on issues, I respect the rationale behind your positions and always look forward to looking more from them. Cheers and get well soon. - Shock & Awww(e) - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:45 am: Dear Senator Kirk: Know that you remain in the thoughts and prayers of countless families you may never know or meet. We look forward to your speedy recovery, and your rapid return to leadership in our state. Get well soon! - Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:50 am: Best of Luck and a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. We need you back in the Senate ASAP. A strong and dedicated supporter. - Obamalac - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:50 am: Focus on your health and only your health. I couldn’t use my whole left side after my strokes but rehab brought me a long way towards recovery, as did my life partner. I’ll take you for a cruise in my Cadillac in the summertime! - 10th Indy - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:54 am: Me: “You’re the first republican I ever voted for…” You: (in a conspiratorial whisper) “It’s ok - my parents tell me the same thing.” Here’s hoping you keep up your streak of defying expectations and get well sooner than your doctor’s best predictions! - Just a Citizen - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:54 am: Senator Kirk, Let me wish you a speedy and full recovery. You are in my thoughts. Fight hard!!!! IL needs you! - Rep. Mike Quigley - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 11:54 am: Senator, we couldn’t believe the news when we heard but know that you will fight through this. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. Thoughts and prayers, Mike and the whole team - Loyal Whig - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:01 pm: Senator Kirk is a class act. He will work very hard on rehab. God bless you Senator! - Mr. Grassroots - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:11 pm: Senator, Please get better soon and back to work. We are all pulling for you with our prayers. - The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:14 pm: Time for another amazing victory, Senator Kirk. You can do it! All my prayers and thoughts are with you. - mokenavince - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:16 pm: Best Wishes and Godspeed to Senator Kirks recovery. We in Illinois have been blessed, I feel we have 2 very good Senators.I will say a prayer for Mark Kirk. - Rich's Mom - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:18 pm: Senator Kirk, On behalf of our entire family let me wish you a very speedy and full recovery. You will be in our thoughts during this tough battle ahead. We have faith you will climb this tall hill as you have climbed so many tall hills in the past. - ArchPundit - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:19 pm: Feel better and above all take your doctors’ advice and get rest while you recover (on top of PT). Other Senators have overcome strokes just as I’m sure you will. And don’t worry, Joe Biden’s malapropisms have nothing to do with his–it’s just Biden. - Susan Pizzini - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:27 pm: I was so sad to hear the news about this wonderful Senator that I’ve admired for quite some time. I’m sending my best wishes and a prayer for Sen. Kirk’s speedy recovery. God Bless you Sen. Kirk and thank you for all you do. You have shown much wisdom. - 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:29 pm: Speedy recovery Senator! Also besides avoiding the deep fried ice cream at the state fair, stay away from the chocalate covered bacon! - Stones - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:38 pm: Best of luck to the Senator on his recovery. I like everyone else was shocked to hear the news. - God's Country - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:39 pm: God bless, Senator. Get well soon, and if you see images of Rich in a candy striper outfit, blame it on the meds. - Jason McGrath - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 12:44 pm: A tough and worthy political adversary, undefeated for a reason. Best wishes on a rapid recovery, hope to see you back at work soon. - Homer J. Simpson - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 1:23 pm: Get Well Soon, Senator. We need more like you. - Zool - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:10 pm: Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Senator Kirk. We are all pulling for you, regardless of political persuasion! - fisher - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:21 pm: Get well soon! Appreciate your service. - OurMagician - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:30 pm: Stay strong, get well, and continue to lead the right way on how to do what’s best for your citizens. - Left Leaner - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:38 pm: Best wishes for a speedy recovery Senator! I know you’re itching to get back to work, but take time to heal. - Amuzing Myself - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:46 pm: While I didn’t agree with him 100% ideologically, I voted for him in the primary and in the general, and I’m glad I did. Since his election, he has conducted himself with the class and honor befitting a United States Senator, an accomplishment that seems less and less common these days at every level of government. I wish him the best in the difficult days ahead, and I look forward to watching him overcome his challenges to take the floor of the U.S. Senate again as soon as possible. - Texas Mayor - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:48 pm: Best regards to Senator Kirk. Wishing you speedy recovery. As soon as I heard the news I realized how much I would like to thank you for leading by example, for your innate decency, intellect and love of this country–and for serving as a member of our US Congress. Hurry back, we all need you. - fed up - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 2:58 pm: Get Well Soon, Senator. You were able to win in Illinois, I have faith you will come back as strong as ever. - D.P. Gumby - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:22 pm: Sen. Kirk: I said after the election that you and Alexi demonstrated great class and integrity when you met at Billy Goat for lunch and hoped that you would continue to do so. While I haven’t agreed w/ you on some of your votes, you have not let me down on the class and integrity…a difficult task given the climate in D.C. I pray for your swift and successful recovery. - zatoichi - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:41 pm: I don’t agree with many things you say, but that has nothing to do with being a decent, hardworking guy. Hope all goes well and you are back in action soon. Don’t get mad that the PTs, OTs and Speech people. - Baltimoron - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 3:51 pm: I was proud to vote for you and look forward to your return to the Senate. You represent our state well and provide wonderful balance, experience and dignity to Capitol Hill. Your character will serve you well in your recovery. - RFR - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:53 pm: Best wishes for speedy recovery. You have served the public honorably and well, and we hope to have you back in full form soon. - Southern Illinois Voter - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 4:54 pm: I was so proud to work for your election & celebrated at your headquarters the night you won. You are in my prayers & on several church prayer lists in my community. Know you will be back in the Senate & working for the people of IL soon! - Mongo - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 5:05 pm: Worked for local government in the 10th for a long time and you were a constant presence. Rs and Ds didn’t mater when it was an issue about people with disabilities, health, or similarly important matters. So best wishes for a speedy recovery. Do you really need the Blackberry right now? Do what the doctor says… - Quinn T. Sential - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 5:12 pm: The Jackals and vultures of the 10th District Dems can stop circling, as rumors of Senator Kirk’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. A Top Gun sonic boom fly-over above Highland Park may be in order just to rattle a few cages and send a Terminator style message of “I’ll be back”. A salute to Commander Kirk: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/media/anchors.mp3 Anchors Aweigh and God Speed - Holly - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 5:26 pm: My prayers are with you. Get well. I will bring you a big bag of lucky sea beans from Eleuthera. - Matt Bettenhausen - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 6:31 pm: Senator, Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Look forward to seeing you again soon back in DC. - The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 6:45 pm: lol Quinn should win something for that one, Rich! - Corey - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 6:50 pm: Senator, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you realize how many people believe in you and will be rooting for you to get better. For nearly twelve years, it has been a pleasure to see your dedication to public service up close, and it has made supporting you and working to help elect you worthwhile. I know that the same fighting spirit and optimism you have tapped into through many tough campaigns and everything else you have done, will serve you well as you focus on your recovery and getting back to work for Illinois. President Romney is going to need you! - ChicagoDem - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 8:54 pm: Sen. Kirk: Anybody who wears the uniform with pride and honor deserves the best in the coming year. Wishing you the best and do get well. - The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 9:02 pm: Well said, ChicagoDem. Thank YOU! - The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 9:06 pm: You’re the ultimate at CEREBRAL, Senator Kirk–and ANYONE in the know KNOWS that. And, heh, that ain’t HALF bad. Remember? - Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Jan 24, 12 @ 10:42 pm: Best wishes for a quick recovery! - Gabriel - Wednesday, Feb 8, 12 @ 9:27 pm: Kids rlaley don’t have any idea how vulnerable they are! Almost all of them think their parents are being overprotective. It’s scary! Sorry, comments for this post are now closed.