* Lynn Sweet…
Sen. Mark Kirk R-Ill. ruled out on Monday campaigning for GOP Illinois U.S. Senate nominee Jim Oberweis, saying he would rather “protect” his relationship with Sen. Dick Durbin D-Ill. and not launch a “partisan jihad.”
I asked Kirk and Sen. John Cornyn R-Texas, in Chicago on Monday, if they would be seeing or campaigning for Oberweis, the newly minted GOP nominee who beat businessman Doug Truax in the Illinois primary last Tuesday. Oberweis, a state senator from Sugar Grove—who comes to the November race with some baggage–is given little chance to beat Durbin.
“I’m going to be protecting my relationship with Dick and not launching into a partisan jihad that hurts our partnership to both pull together for Illinois,” Kirk said.
Left unsaid, of course, is that Kirk is up for reelection himself in two years and will undoubtedly expect the same “partnership” with the senior Senator.
*** UPDATE *** Twitterville…
- Wumpus - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:50 pm:
He can expect all he wants, he will get a knife in the back (L1-L5). I understand why he does not want to attach himself to Oberwies, but he could have come out less supportive of Durbin.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:50 pm:
Let us all not forget the very public, personal, and honest working together relationship built after Kirk’s stroke, and the manner Durbin, his offices in DC and back home worked to represent IL while never, ever making the recovery of Kirk am issue.
Collegial plus…plus.
- circularfiringsquad - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:52 pm:
CommandoMakeItUp does not need to worry so about Durbin, but he may be concerned about the whack job righ wingers who are not so keen on Marriage Equality and Pro Choice in their precious primaries. We assume that is why the Commando rented out his senior staff to Mitt Rauner. Howver since Mitt nearly got derailed by the CrossoverExpress the Commando’s rentals might not have learned too much.
- Responsa - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:52 pm:
Dumb dumb comment there Mark. There were way better ways of articulating what you meant than how it came out. That said, I don’t blame you for not wanting to stand on a podium with JimO.
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:54 pm:
Memo to US Senator Kirk:
In 9/10 efforts at collaboration, the Republican seeking to placate the Democrats winds up getting dumped on, but give it your best shot.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:54 pm:
To Oberweis,
Going to be lonely for Jim;
Kirk - “Can’t come to the phone right now…”
Rauner - “Can you let us know where you are so “we” won’t be there too?”
Can’t see too many GA GOP members embracing pitchforks and torches rhetoric, there are a handful, maybe…
Does Slytherin Oberweis think Topinka and Cross are “Good Republicans”? Remember that rhetoric? Many do. I do.
Might be quite lonely out there…
- Upon Further Review - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:55 pm:
“9 out of 10″
- Toure's Latte - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:58 pm:
That’s some party unity ya got there, Marky…
Seriously, Durbin knows the deal, no way he would have pushed Kirk knowing he has a cakewalk anyway. I doubt Durbin has stopped laughing yet.
- Mr. Wonderful - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 12:59 pm:
That is very sweet of Mark!
- Arizona Bob - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:00 pm:
=Durbin, his offices in DC and back home worked to represent IL while never, ever making the recovery of Kirk am issue.=
Yep, he “represented” us all right…BADLY.
Of course, Kirk hasn’t exactly done anything to endear himself to the IL GOP since he’s been there, so a vote for Kirk is pretty much a supportive vote for Kirk as well.
Hopefully the money and support will dry up for Kirk in the next election cycle and Roskum can take over for him.
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:03 pm:
Geez, I expected a lukewarm endorsement of Oberweis from Kirk.
I guess not.
He must really appreciate what Durbin did for him after the stroke, because this is going to drive the Club for Growth types crazier.
I’m sure Truax filed this one away. If I were him, I wouldn’t stop running.
- Frustrated Voter - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:05 pm:
I’m sure Durbin will return the favor in 2016, right? Why again is Mark Kirk a “Republican”? Is there anything he agrees with the Republican Party on?
- Tom B. - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:05 pm:
Not gonna happen.
- Siriusly - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:08 pm:
I like it, but. I think Kirk is seriously underestimating how much attention his lack of endorsement is going to get.
I think the media and the GOP will focus on it so much that he will have to relent eventually.
- ChrisB - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:09 pm:
This is one of the oldest unspoken rules in the Senate. You simply don’t campaign against “The Other Senator.” Of course, it’s happened before, but some very bad blood has arisen because of it.
Don’t read too much into Sen. Kirk’s statements. He is simply honoring the gentleman’s agreement.
- Southwest Side guy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:11 pm:
Oberweis needs to slow his ego and be thankful he is in the State Senate period. The man is a total eliitist and had wasted so much of his money on failed campaigns. He is power hungry and needs to realize all he will ever be is a State Senator.
- Ex Suburban Mayor - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:15 pm:
I look forward to voting for a true Republican for Senator from Illinois ………..DILLARD
- Zoom - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:25 pm:
This democrat will definitely be voting for Mark Kirk in two years.
- Michael Westen - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:25 pm:
God bless Mark Kirk, and I know this isn’t the politically correct thing to say, but Mark Kirk should do the right thing and resign. He still cannot adequately represent us-at least not in the way US Senators are supposed to represent people. He still tires easily, cannot travel this big state, and sometimes has difficulty stringing several coherent thoughts together.
Someone needs to say that while Mark Kirk’s recovery attempts have been admirable, he will probably never be fully up to the job again.
Sad, but true.
- Pete - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:29 pm:
This screams foul. People elect you to represent them. The people that elected Mark Kirk could care less about his working relationship with Dick Durbin.
When I cast my ballot for Mark Kirk I wanted an elected representative that would fight for the benefit of Illinois. A senator who will vote along the ideals of my community.
I don’t think that Mark Kirk is delivering. The republicans that voted for Kirk are the same ones that helped get Oberweis to November.
Not good.
- Steve Judd - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:33 pm:
I also have to wonder if he’s not trying to cure some of the heat he took for the hyperbolic SEIU comments he made right after the election.
- LincolnLounger - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:47 pm:
At the end of the day, there is no more vicious partisan in this state than Dick Durbin. Expect all you want, but like the frog and the scorpion, it’s just Dick’s nature. I get not wanting to get anywhere near Oberweis, but there was a more artful way to do this.
- Responsa - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:52 pm:
== The republicans that voted for Kirk are the same ones that helped get Oberweis to November.==
What??????
- Big Muddy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:57 pm:
Only people that are going to be helping Oberweis are the Joe Walsh, Jeanne Ives types. The man has no shot at a US senate seat. None. Zilch. Zip. If the race was between Oscar the dog and Obie, we would be looking at the first canine to hold office. We would have better representation with Oscar than Oberweis too.
- too obvious - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:04 pm:
I love it. The gop poobahs don’t have to unify but if you’re a Republican you better support Mark Kirk and Bruce Rauner or you’re asking for trouble. #hypocrites
- ArchPundit - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:12 pm:
God Bless the Illinois GOP fight for purity of essence.
Signed
Illinois Democratic Party
- olok1973 - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:21 pm:
What’s the over/under for Obies total in Nov? 20-25%? Only totally crazy wacked right wing nut-jobs will vote for him. As a “normal” Republican, thank God Mark Kirk is just acting and saying the truth.
- John Galt - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:22 pm:
“Left unsaid, of course, is that Kirk is up for reelection himself in two years and will undoubtedly expect the same “partnership” with the senior Senator.”
Is that really a senate tradition? Or is that what’s ALSO left unsaid is that Oberweis is a very weak candidate that has zero chance of toppling Durbin anyway, but if the GOP nominee was essentially Doug Truax but with several million dollars in his campaign war chest, the NRSC would expect Kirk to do some very heavy lifting to help expand the playing field of 2014 and retake the US Senate for the GOP.
It makes sense to cut Oberweis loose for Kirk. There is almost zero upside and a significant downside. Why expend political capital for a lost cause?
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:22 pm:
–Hopefully the money and support will dry up for Kirk in the next election cycle and Roskum can take over for him–
Or even Roskam, the guy who had the “Obama Voters for Roskam” website in 2008.
Making nice with Obama never hurt a Republican in Illinois going for higher office, did it?
- Demoralized - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:29 pm:
I don’t think this is all that uncommon. Kirk isn’t backing Durbin. He’s just not going to actively campaign for Oberweis. I see nothing wrong with that.
- Just Observing - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:30 pm:
Needless to say, Kirk may have given an endorsement to a different nominee if they stood a chance in taking out Durbin.
- anon - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:34 pm:
Joe Walsh just declared war on Mark Kirk.
https://twitter.com/WalshFreedom
For what it’s worth…
- D.P.Gumby - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:38 pm:
“Obie, you want lunch? Gee. I’m busy as U.S. Senator. How about never. Does never work for you?”
- A guy... - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:38 pm:
With all the time he had to come up with the precise words to deliver this message, this is the best Mark Kirk could do? Holy cow. Shame on his staff. Everyone knows what a fraternity the senate is but sheesh, can’t you even pretend like the party actually matters when you get pummeled on vote after vote. Something akin to: While Senator Durbin and I have good communication and cooperation on issues relating to Illinois and work very well in tandem on them, naturally I’ll support my party’s nominee with enthusiasm. Mark and Dick- feel free to use this.
- flea - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:40 pm:
Seems to me Kirk is going with the “Winner” in this one. and a “Winner” like Dick Durbin is what is needed ..plus the milk OB sells costs to much.
- Responsa - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:43 pm:
A guy…very well done, except for the “with enthusiasm” part.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:49 pm:
===With all the time he had to come up with the precise words to deliver this message, this is the best Mark Kirk could do?===
No. That is the best Kirk was going to give Oberweis.
Big difference.
- too obvious - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:51 pm:
So now we know the unity we were supposed to be celebrating at last week’s IL GOP Unity Luncheon. Too bad Durbin couldn’t make it.
- Rich Miller - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:52 pm:
===Too bad Durbin couldn’t make it. ===
Um, Oberweis skipped the shindig.
- Roamin' Numeral - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:54 pm:
Will Joe Walsh be keynoting the next Unity Luncheon?
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:55 pm:
From the update, Joe Walsh on Twitter:
–Mark Kirk can never run as a Republican in this state again, ever. If he tries, I’ll make sure he never wins.–
The only way he can do that is to not run against Kirk.
- Siriusly - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:55 pm:
anon 2:34 - I have no idea who that person is
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:56 pm:
===Mark Kirk can never run as a Republican in this state again, ever. If he tries, I’ll make sure he never wins.===
Oh jeez, Walsh is going to endorse Mark Kirk?
- Wumpus - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:57 pm:
Will Durbin do Kirk a favor and get behind Tio Hardiman early for his senate campaign? Will he tell Duckworth or Michelle Obama no, when one of them runs to defet Kirk?
- Big Muddy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:57 pm:
If anyone in this state knows about not winning elections besides Oberweis it’s Joe Walsh. Republicans need to stop “out-Republicaning” each other and win some statewide races for a change.
- horse w/ no name - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 2:58 pm:
“I’ll make sure he never wins” Oooook there big talker.
- Donkey Dem - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:03 pm:
Kirk isn’t going to stick his neck out for Oberweis. He doesn’t have too. Besides he knows, as does everyone else, that Oberweis is a loser. Big Jim here’s my advice to you. Go get a double dip Chocolate Pistasio and relax.
- Wooly Mamouth Republican - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:08 pm:
Walsh seems to have a big ego. Say Joe, if you have so much clout and power how come you couldn’t get re-elected Congressman ? And don’t blame the redistricting. You were too far Right for the district !
- Wensicia - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:10 pm:
Kirk has chosen the Rauner train, who’s about as loyal a Republican as Kirk is, and signals the rest of the party to ignore Oberweis going forward. But, saying he more supportive of Durbin may come back to hurt him later on.
- Carl Nyberg - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:23 pm:
I woulda thought Kirk coulda made some perfunctory appearances with Oberweis.
I would think Republican activists would be annoyed that Kirk is publicly saying he won’t help Oberweis.
- Some Guy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:27 pm:
- Arizona Bob - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 1:00 pm:
=so a vote for Kirk is pretty much a supportive vote for Kirk as well.=
Yeah, now that you mention it, a vote for Kirk does qualify as a vote for Kirk.
- Soccermom - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:27 pm:
Uh oh. Joe Walsh is mad at Mark Kirk. Now the Senator is REALLY in trouble.
(Note to self: Always vote for Mark Kirk in future. Anybody Joe Walsh hates can’t be all bad.)
- 4 percent - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:31 pm:
I understand that Mark Kirk doesn’t want to stand with Oberweis and is hoping for neutrality.
Let’s fast forward to 2016 when control of the U.S. Senate will again be up in the air. Pundits indicate that it could go either way this year. Does anyone REALLY think that Dick Durbin will stay out of the race if it means determining control of the U.S. Senate? He will stick the knife in Kirk’s back as fast as he can.
- Smoggie - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:31 pm:
“Deadbeat One Term Congressman Vows to End Career of Popular U.S. Senator”
Ahh, what passes for news at times.
But with regard to Kirk — he was going to get a primary from the far right anyway. This is a nice move to get himself some cross-over support if he gets out the primary. Well played.
- Carl Nyberg - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:34 pm:
How good at politics is Mark Kirk?
If he wasn’t propped-up by the Trib, corporate media and Military Industrial Complex, would he be a serious candidate?
- Walker - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:38 pm:
Rauner needs to follow Kirk’s lead and distance himself from Oberweis somehow.
Rauner doesn’t have a slick explanation, like sticking with a colleague, but he has to at least be seen as obviously avoiding Oberweis and his statements.
- Demoralized - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:45 pm:
I guess people need to check with Joe Walsh on their status as a Republican.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:46 pm:
“Oberweis/Rauner” has started.
Rauner could easily pivot;
“While Mr. Oberweis and I share the ticket, I do not share Mr. Oberweis’ beliefs on people, and the idea of rigidness in candidates. I wish Mr. Oberweis well.”
That would be fun. Ignoring Oberweis is the best policy. The baggage is very heavy.
Pivot socially. Too much similar financially.
- olok1973 - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:50 pm:
I don’t know how to break it to the extreme right, but this is not Alabama. Your views can’t get someone elected statewide: Re: See Bill Brady vote totals. And whenever Joe Walsh rips someone, that’s my guy/gal!!!!
- Anonymous - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:50 pm:
I can’t tell whether Senator Cornyn was shocked, truly surprised, and/or ready to burst into what some call a “nervous laughter” which is sometimes issued when one truly doesn’t know the appropriate thing to say. (And my goodness, how many would have pictured themselves in that somewhat odd situation?)
And why does Kirk more often than not remind me of that boy in school who always tried to come up with the most clever and witty response, wound up insulting someone while delivery it, seemed embarrassed immediately afterwards for having blurted it out, and then when politely provided an opportunity to “smooth over” what was said, came back with something even more “interesting?”
Hmmm…obviously some interesting “traditions” in our Senate that common folk probably will never be able to understand, appreciate, and *clears throat* mimic.
- Commonsense in Illinois - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 3:57 pm:
So Joe Walsh is endorsing Mark Kirk for reelection? After all, Mr. Walsh was and continues to be a one-term braggart who is his own worst enemy.
- ZC - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:01 pm:
There’s no Senate tradition here but there have been some examples in the past. New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan was somewhat-notoriously unwilling to criticize his Republican Senate-mate Alfonse D’Amato, back in the 1990s, whenever D’Amato was up for reelection. Moyni would always issue a statement endorsing whomever the Democratic candidate was (including eventual winner Chuck Schumer) but that was about all DPM would do.
- Michelle Flaherty - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:01 pm:
Turns out Sen Kirk is lactose intolerant.
- shore - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:03 pm:
The way to handle this would have been how Rahm handled the kirk seals race of 2006 when he ran the dccc and seemed to want no part of it for reasons never disclosed. Make a quiet perfunctory acknowledgement of support in the race “as a fellow party member” and then don’t answer the calls and find other races to do. Support Rodney Davis, Bob-sorry I almost wrote bruce Dold et al, give Bruce Rauner an ataboy bashing springfield and quinn to keep the screaming walsh’s and profts of the world at bay for 2016 primary reasons and just ignore it otherwise. If conservatives and partisans ask, you did your endorsement and also noted how important the house races were and how much more competitive they are.
nuff said.
2 weeks in a row, 2 missteps.
- mugwump - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:06 pm:
Oberweis/Rauner
Is it too late for the Dems to reinstate straight-ticket voting?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:09 pm:
===Is it too late for the Dems to reinstate straight-ticket voting?===
Thank. Goodness. Yes.
But the Unions, class warfare, and bumbling soundbites my take care of a “Punch 10″ like Field Operations on its own.
- Responsa - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:23 pm:
At least *I* got it, Michelle Flaherty. Nice touch
- Ahoy! - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:38 pm:
The State of Illinois is best served with a Republican and a Democrat in the Senate. Given Joe Walsh’s comments should we assume that Joe Walsh is not a true Illinoisan?
Of course, Walsh knows something about never winning again.
- arsonpi - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:38 pm:
as far as kirk is concerned while respect his service after his stroke and the long recovery the right thing for him to have done was to step down. I saw him at gop day at state fair last year and he could barely complete his 2 min speech.
as for oberwies he is a 3 time loser in most peoples minds and I think after all the issue that came up before the primary he should have done the right thing and dropped out and give truax a shot at Durbin. we need Durbin out and oberwies is merely going to waste his time and that of the voters. nobody wants Durbin just like they don’t want Quinn but yet we are going to get stuck with him again. Jim needs to go back to Florida and have a milkshake on the beach
- And I Approved This Message - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:43 pm:
Maybe Scott Lee Cohen should take Oberweis out for a banana split and tell him the facts of life.
- Chicago Cynic - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 4:59 pm:
Joe Walsh is gonna get Mark Kirk? Oh nooooooo! However with Kirk survive…
- steve schnorf - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 5:08 pm:
“I’ll make sure he never wins.” Can you say “megalomania”?
- Buster - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 5:16 pm:
The party of Thompson and Edgar has become the party of Rauner, Oberweiss and Walsh!?!
- steve schnorf - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 5:23 pm:
Sometimes we recognize our friends by their enemies
- Buzzie - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 6:59 pm:
The far right wing membersvof the Illinois Republican Party are like the three characters who join Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz—-no heart, no courage and no brain.
- ironman - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 8:42 pm:
Never again will I help Mark Kirk. I worked very hard for him and never gotten a thank you yet! Joe Walsh for senate………
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 9:21 pm:
–Never again will I help Mark Kirk. I worked very hard for him and never gotten a thank you yet! Joe Walsh for senate………–
I thought you said you weren’t going to help Kirk?
- Think About It - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 9:28 pm:
Was Mark Kirk at the Unity events for Democrats!! What a shame that the only way he can win an election is to support a Democrat. So much for unity, Mr. Kirk. Go with the Democrats. The Republicans don’t want you anymore either.
- Precinct Captain - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 9:53 pm:
Are the nuts going to drive Kirk out of the party so that Oberweis can be the nominee again in 2016?
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Monday, Mar 24, 14 @ 11:51 pm:
@Big Muddy
If Oscar needs a campaign manager, lemme know.
That was hilarious.
To the Post:
If Mark Kirk is lucky, Joe Walsh will announce soon.
And I expect Durbin will stay out of it in 2016….one election at a time though, folks.
Oberweis oughta just head back to Boca Raton and stay there.
- mainstream republican - Tuesday, Mar 25, 14 @ 8:19 am:
Thank goodness for Mark Kirk! Republicans should not blindly be following candidates on the exremist wing such as Oberweiss. Hopefully more reasonable Republicans will follow Kirk’s lead.
- Makandadawg - Tuesday, Mar 25, 14 @ 8:55 am:
No mentions here so far that Oberweis is actually running for a job with responsibilities and those currently doing the job do not think he is qualified, capable or what ever words you want to use to do the job. Why is he even a candidate? The two parties need to get these accidents under control
- I B Strapped - Tuesday, Mar 25, 14 @ 9:04 am:
Thank goodness for Mark Kirk! Republicans should not blindly be following candidates on the exremist wing such as Oberweiss. Hopefully more reasonable Republicans will follow Kirk’s lead.
Soo, can I pencil you in for Dick Durbin in Nov, since non-votes for Oberweis are essentially a quasi-endorsement for the other viable candidate?
- Walker - Tuesday, Mar 25, 14 @ 9:18 am:
If Walsh thinks he can “make sure” Kirk loses — I shudder to think what he plans to do. Here we go again.
- anonymous - Tuesday, Mar 25, 14 @ 10:50 am:
Durbin is the epitome of the extreme partisan jihadist. Joe Walsh is too much for me, but if Kirk is going to appear supportive of Durbin, he has to go.He doesn’t need to gush over Oberweis, but to appear supportive of someone who constantly unfairly and untruthfully smears any issue and anybody who is the least bit conservative, as Durbin is won’t to do is unconsciablem