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The Financial Times reports from… Ottawa?

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* Lindsay Whipp at London’s Financial Times wanted a local angle on Illinois’ US Senate race. So, a mutual friend put us together and I suggested she head to LaSalle County, a blue-collar area that Barack Obama won handily in 2008, but lost by just a hair in 2012 and the site of an intense state legislative battle…

US veteran Stan Mazon enjoys a cigarette and beer on his porch, star-spangled banner swaying to his left, as he soaks up the afternoon sun in his sleepy home town of Ottawa.

Mr Mazon is not sure who to back in November’s presidential election, despite usually voting for the Democratic party’s candidate. Like many residents of Ottawa, the 68-year old is not necessarily voting along party lines in all races. The choice in the key Senate contest between incumbent Republican Mark Kirk and rival Tammy Duckworth, for instance, is a no brainer for Mr Mazon. He is voting for the Democrat.

As a fellow veteran, Ms Duckworth lost both her legs in Iraq in 2004. Senator Kirk’s campaign, however, has been criticised for misstating the extent of his military service. He has apologised, but for some it has not been enough.

“She’s a veteran and what she’s been through, she’s got my sympathy there,” Mr Mazon says. “Kirk did the wrong thing by lying about being a vet.”

Oof.

Go read the whole thing.

What a great name for a reporter, by the way.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 2:00 pm

Comments

In other not-so-great Kirk news, his former write-in pick for prez Colin Powell has confirmed he’s voting for Hillary today (just like I and others predicted as soon as he said it).

https://mobile.twitter.com/BraddJaffy/status/790991964313268224

Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 2:17 pm
This reinforces the known part of the Kirk campaign that has been most damaging…

A lack of connection with voters that then solidifies narratives that are polarizingly negative, like the Kirk service record.

Had Kirk been able to show more of a true connection with voters, the path for Kirk, an incumbent, may have been less difficult.

A shame far before these election framings.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 2:24 pm
really, really wanted to vote for Kirk, only as a no vote for possible Hillarys’ pick(s) for USSC. Couldn’t do it. Left the race blank. Both a couple of duds.

Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 2:42 pm
>What a great name for a reporter, by the way.

And a tasty order at a 1950s soda fountain.

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Oct 25, 16 @ 3:52 pm