Jane Carrell with U.S. Senate candidate James Marter and Andrew Gasser
By Jane Ryan Carrell -
Senator Mark Kirk is running for reelection, despite pleas by many, Illinois Governor Rauner included, that Kirk not run in 2016. Kirk is widely listed as the most seriously endangered reelection risk among all Republican Senators running. Formerly, Kirk was never happier than before a camera or microphone. Now, Kirk has turned down many requests for interview, including those requests by media whose editorial boards regularly interview statewide candidates before elections.
Take the Chicago Tribune, which contacted Senator Kirk and Republican Senate candidate James Marter for its usual editorial board interview. Senator Kirk did not make himself available to the Tribune editorial board. What does the senator fear? A blurted remark, similar to his “joke” about Senator Lindsey Graham, “a bro without a ho?”
The Tribune editorial board chose to make its March 4th endorsement of Senator Kirk based on Kirk's thorny (to Republicans) voting record, not an in person interview. Busy man, the Senator! Shouldn't be bothered! Who is the Chicago Tribune accountable to -- its readers, or the campaign of an incumbent senator, whose health and effectivity may be seriously compromised, and who prefers to let sleeping dogs lie? About Kirk's health, the Trib writes: “To keep his seat, he'll need to assure the people of Illinois that he's still up to the job.” But Trib editorial board, you're advising we give him the job, in less than two weeks, for six more years!!
When do we get that assurance? Kirk's opponent, James Marter, deserves better than the pat on the head the editorial board gave him: “Marter lacks experience in national and global affairs. But he's a thoughtful citizen-candidate running for the right reasons. We hope he'll stay engaged in politics. Kirk is endorsed.”
What about ABC-TV Chicago, whose practice is to bring US Senate candidates before its cameras? Kirk refused their request for interview or debate format. Kirk's refusal denies his Republican opponent, James Marter, a platform to the Chicago ABC7 audience. It denies the Illinois voter knowledge of a 53-year old vigorous Oswego businessman candidate, who has managed million dollar projects and holds positions more compatible with Republican Party principles. Isn't this the part that the Fourth Estate is supposed to play in the electoral process?
Are you as angry as I am that Chicago media have rolled over and played dead at Senator Kirk's refusal to be interviewed? Are you willing to contact media to express your disappointment? GOOGLE “ABC7 Chicago news tips” and “Chicago Tribune News Tips” to write a line or two requesting these outlets provide information on a US senate race very important to the people of Illinois. ABC7's I-Team is led by Chuck Goudie, whose Twitter handle is @chuckgoudieabc7
Illinoisans deserve to know that conservative businessman and NRA member James Marter is running for the U.S. Senate. Why do the preferences of a threatened incumbent U.S. Senator weigh more strongly than the people's right to know the candidates?
