Vulnerable Sen. Mark Kirk Won’t Attend GOP Convention

FILE - In this June 9, 2014 file photo, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk R-Ill., speaks during an interview in his office. Kirk is the fifth GOP senator to announce support for Loretta Lynch's nomination for U.S. attorney general... FILE - In this June 9, 2014 file photo, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk R-Ill., speaks during an interview in his office. Kirk is the fifth GOP senator to announce support for Loretta Lynch's nomination for U.S. attorney general. Kirk told attendees of the City Club of Chicago on Thursday, April 2, 2015 that he spoke with Lynch about the need to fight gang violence in Chicago and was impressed with her response. President Barack Obama nominated her last year to replace Eric Holder. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File) MORE LESS
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With a contested convention looking more and more likely each day, Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) has become the first GOP senator who has said he will not attend the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this summer.

Kirk’s campaign manager, Kevin Artl, told The Daily Herald newspaper on Thursday that the senator would be focusing his efforts on his re-election bid against Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth rather than joining his fellow GOP lawmakers in Cleveland.

“Senator Kirk has his own re-election to win, so he will be working hard toward that goal, not going to the Republican convention in Ohio,” Artl said.

Kirk isn’t the only lawmaker hesitating to attend what could be a battle royale in Cleveland ahead of a tough battle to hold on to his own seat in November. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) told CNN it was “unlikely” she would attend the convention, and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) also expressed hesitation.

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) has also said he will not attend.

Kirk also made headlines recently for being the first Republican senator to meet with President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland.

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Notable Replies

  1. this means nothing if he is still willing to caucus with repubs… While their presidential election rhetoric sucks, congress is where they act out this bs.

    if he is cool with it in congress, he should enjoy the Convention.

    I suspect most in Illinois feel the same, and don’t fall for this window dressing…

  2. “Head-in-Sand Extinct ‘Moderate’ Republicans Avoid Rearranging Deck Chairs on Titanic.”

    Better headline.

  3. but I thought chicks dig it when a guy shows vulnerability… does this mean he’s passing on the women’s vote?

  4. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush ® has also said he will not attend.

    This practice of referring to ex office holders as if they still hold their position is weird. Florida has a Governor. It is not Jeb Bush. Is Illinois Senator Barack Obama our President?

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