Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) thinks he has a
compelling personal story to run for re-election—his stroke in 2012.
Unlike his fellow endangered Republicans, Kirk believes he can offer something unique that could cut through party lines: his physical condition. He plans to make his recovery a centerpiece of his campaign, presenting himself as an inspirational and sympathetic figure who’s overcome a debilitating physical setback.
"I can hopefully be a powerful example for people who have gone through this," Kirk said recently in an interview in his Senate office.
It's not the first time Kirk has used his health politically. Remember when he
decided Medicaid was so important because he had a serious health condition? That was a breakthrough moment for him, growing a heart and thinking about others who might not have all the advantages he did when faced with a serious illness.
But never mind. He got over that pretty fast. That was in January 2013. By September of that year he was touting his 36 votes against Obamacare, and in 2014 got in the swing of the midterms by joining Sen. Ted Cruz in trying to solicit Obamacare horror stories.
That
didn't work out quite the way he intended, with plenty of people responding to his tweet with their personal thanks for the law. Illinois voters, who might be full of sympathy for his story, aren't going to be so likely to overlook the fact that he's running on his health, but doesn't care if the rest of America gets the kind of treatment he's had to be able to recover.