Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is a progressive Democrat running for the United States Senate against Republican Congressman Mark Kirk. We are the people behind his campaign, and we need your help to keep this seat blue. Learn more about Alexi and help us elect a fighter for us to the U.S. Senate. |
Where is Republican Congressman Mark Kirk?
Just over 11 days ago, Alexi Giannoulias' Republican opponent was caught on tape at a closed door fundraiser bragging about making President Obama a "one-termer" and vowing that he would "lead the effort" to "repeal this bill."
Mark Kirk, along with every other member of the "Party of No", voted against ending discrimination by insurance companies and against access to affordable health care for all.
While Speaker Pelosi gave the Congress a stirring call to action, what was Congressman Kirk doing?
Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) sat in the front row on the Democratic side as Pelosi spoke. Across the aisle where Republicans sit -- almost as far away from Pelosi as a lawmaker could get -- I spotted GOP Illinois Senate nominee Rep. Mark Steven Kirk in the last row, ducking out after a few minutes.
Again, from The Chicago Sun-Times:
"He's been holding an extraordinarily low profile since the primary, and even more so since his comments about making Obama a "one-termer." Kirk's campaign refuses to release Kirk's campaign or governmental schedules in order to discourage routine press coverage, so remarks Kirk makes on the stump are rare."
On January 15, 2010, during his primary, before the President's bipartisan health care summit and well before the final health care bill was even released, Congressman Mark Kirk was one of the very first lawmakers to sign the Club for Growth's "Repeal It!" Pledge.
Nearly three months later, at that closed-press GOP fundraiser, he introduced himself by saying "I'm Mark Kirk, and I can't wait to vote against the health care bill next week," and he vowed that he would "lead the effort" to repeal it.
But it's been 11 long days since Kirk's expressed giddy exuberance at blocking the change Illinois families and small business owners need.
He has been strangely silent on the issue, and on his pledge to repeal the bill.
While Mark Kirk has been silent, his constituents have not.
Last week, Alexi met with small business owners from Congressman Kirk's district last week. Here is a video of what they had to say:
Congressman Kirk's own constituents are speaking out about how they need this bill to help level the playing field against insurance company abuses. Why isn't Congressman Kirk listening?
Congressman Kirk has taken over $1.3 million from the insurance industry. Unlike the Congressman, Alexi refuses to take a dime of money from corporate PACs and federal lobbyists. And unlike the Congressman, Alexi hears the voices of families and small business owners calling out for reform.
So, we think it's time we help the Congressman hear them too.
Today, we're launching our Tick-Tock, Repeal It! Clock, counting the days of Mark Kirk's silence on the issue. He pledged to "lead the effort" to repeal the bill. Representative Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn.), Representative Steve King (R-Iowa) and Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) are all introducing legislation to repeal the bill.
But what about Mark Kirk?
What is his position on the issue? Why hasn't he signed on a co-sponsor yet? Or was his pledge to "lead the effort" to "repeal the bill" the pandering actions of a typical Washington politician?
Call Congressman Kirk and ask him where he stands on the issue of repealing the most sweeping domestic reform legislation in a generation.
Republican Congressman Mark Kirk (IL-10)
- D.C. Office: 202-225-4835
- Northbrook Office: 847-940-0202
- Waukegan Office: 847-662-0101
Will Congressman Kirk embrace his pledge and "lead the effort" to take away access to affordable health care from millions? Or will he sneak away from his promise and prove to Illinois voters that the only time he breaks his silence is to break empty campaign promises?
Call Congressman Kirk and let him know that it's time for answers, and the clock is ticking.