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Kirk takes a pass on Cleveland

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Illinois

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., today announced that he just won’t be able to make the GOP National Convention in Cleveland this summer.

“Senator Kirk has his own re-election to win,” Campaign Manager Kevin Artl said in a candid statement. “So he will be working hard toward that goal, not going to the Republican convention in Ohio.”

Kirk is campaigning as a moderate. Hanging out with the likes of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz could only cause him problems back home, even if the GOP somehow is able to come up with another nominee.

Earlier, U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Wheaton, announced he’s taking a pass on the convention, and aides to U.S. Rep. Bob Dold, R-Kenilworth, indicated he almost certainly would make the same decision.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 3:51 pm

Comments

(Obligatory “mistake by the lake”, obnoxious jab at Cleveland here)

To the post,

No votes found in Cleveland for Kirk…

Good move, concur, Kev.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 3:57 pm
The GOP national convention is shaping up to be a smoldering dumpster fire. It’s probably a good idea for many Illinois GOP moderates to stay clear.

Comment by Stones Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:03 pm
Chickens.

What happened to the politician who had the courage of his convictions? These cowards are going to fall into a trap of not being able to say they opposed a bad candidate. They are going to shrug and squirm as they try to talk themselves out of a hole they created. Rather than attending the convention they are abrogating their responsibility and duty as delegates of their party.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:07 pm
Since the topic is Kirk: Remember last fall when everybody was all bent out of shape for about 36 hours because Artl launched a preemptive strike to kill a negative Trib story? What happened? The Trib never published, right? Did Artl succeed or was the story always iffy anyway?

Comment by perry noya Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:08 pm
Don’t worry Kirk fans, he only has to pretend he’s not a Republican for seven more months.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:14 pm
Not surprising. Quite a few Republicans from blue states plan to stay home to campaign, rather than stand next to a toxic presidential nominee.

Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:22 pm
Conventional wisdom says, “No.”

And Stones @ 4:03: Smoldering?

Comment by Northsider Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:22 pm
And Rauner? What’s his deal?

As the self-proclaimed “head of the Illinois GOP” is he gonna be there glad-handing with Trump? With Cruz?

Is he praying for Kasich?

Comment by Macbeth Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:31 pm
And wait — let me guess — Rauner, he’s gonna take the “arrows”, right?

Sort of like: “Trump’s the nominee? Hey, don’t look at me, it’s not my fault. It’s the fault of the Madigans and 20 years of dysfunction in Illinois.”

Such impotent splendor, that Rauner.

Comment by Macbeth Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:33 pm
Wensicia - No matter who is nominated by the Republicans, our currently elected officials will be standing next to the candidate. Whether they like it or not, unless the rules are changed, Trump or Cruz is the nominee.

As much as they want to run away, the toxic candidate is their guy.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:35 pm
Whoever gets the concession to sell those “I’m with stupid” t-shirts is going to make a fortune.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:35 pm
Kirk has already said he’ll support Trump if he’s the nominee. Staying home from the convention won’t save him from that decision.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:37 pm
Finally, Cleveland is going to produce a bigger loser than the Browns.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:43 pm
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwi6-fOQjY_MAhXGkIMKHVUSCrwQyCkIHzAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvRTuarR_SmE&usg=AFQjCNG7DXruVI-jwxBdLHltFXFwv7Cu0g&bvm=bv.119408272,d.amc

Comment by SAP Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 4:47 pm
Does anyone think he has a chance? I’m starting to think he could pull this off.

Duckworth is liked by many, and her story is truly spectacular. But is it enough to convince moderates/independents that she’s the better (less partisan) one of them two.

Comment by Bleh Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 5:24 pm
Not going to the convention but there are some Cleveland neighborhoods he will drive through faster than others

Comment by LizPhairTax Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 5:47 pm
47th Ward @ 4:35 -
Biggest belly laugh of the day!
Thanks! I think I’ve got one of those shirts, but I’ll take another.

Comment by northernwatersports Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 6:23 pm
He strives to be a Lunchpail republican lol they get big $$$ for phony platforms

Comment by Railrat Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 6:48 pm
Thanks SAP for a tune I haven’t heard for awhile from one of my favorite bands.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Apr 14, 16 @ 7:06 pm