WASHINGTON DC - Emily Cahn of Roll Call writes that both Democrats and Republican operatives are expressing concern about Illinois U.S. Senator Mark Kirk’s ability to withstand the strenuous task of a statewide campaign in 2016. Some Republicans, however, argue Kirk may be the only Illinois Republican who could keep this seat.
Kirk will face an uphill route to victory in Illinois. The state voted for President Barack Obama with 25- and 17-point margins in 2008 and 2012, respectively.
Cahn says Kirk will need to make an extra effort to appeal to Democrats who could split their tickets and vote for him in a presidential cycle. She says to watch Kirk’s voting record over the next year, which should trend liberal. In the lame-duck session, for example, Kirk was the sole Republican to vote for Obama’s surgeon general nominee who was opposed by conservative groups like the NRA.
Image Source: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo
