IL-Sen: Kirk Seeks Palin Endorsement

[ccharles000]

Illinois Rep. Mark Kirk penned a memo to Republican poobah Fred Malek hoping to secure an endorsement from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for his Senate candidacy, according to a copy of the memo obtained by the Fix.

After noting that Palin will be in Chicago later this month to appear on "Oprah", Kirk writes that "the Chicago media will focus on one key issue: Does Gov Palin oppose Congressman Mark Kirk's bid to take the Obama Senate seat for the Republicans?"

Kirk goes on to write that he is hoping for something "quick and decisive" from Palin about the race, perhaps to the effect of: "Voters in Illinois have a key opportunity to take Barack Obama's Senate seat. Congressman Kirk is the lead candidate to do that."

Malek confirmed the authenticity of the memo in an e-mail exchange with the Fix.

Kirk's memo is tangible evidence of the power of Palin's endorsement in a Republican primary. Kirk, a moderate by voting record in the House, is clearly very concerned about the negative impact a Palin endorsement of one of his primary opponents could have on his chances at being the party's nominee for the seat being vacated by appointed Sen. Roland Burris (D).

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/eye-on-2012/il-sen-kirk-seeks-palin-endors.html

[muntrv]

1. 2 words for Kirk: Doug Hoffman.

[Kittycat]

2. PLEASE - that's the kiss of death here.

[nevergiveup]

3. If Kirk runs in Illinois as a moderate Republican

he has a descent chance of winning Obama's old Senate seat here in Illinois. If he is endorsed by Palin his chances become slim to none unless Burris some way ends up running for re-election.

[olkaz]

4. This was my take as well

As much as many of us don't want to admit it, this senate seat is very vulnerable. If Kirk really plays up being a moderate, he could win it.

Actually, now that I think of it, I'd like to see a favorability poll on Palin for Illinois.

[mopinko]

5. most of us admit it. i wish we had a good candidate running.

a dirty banker, a pol family scion, and a white guy lawyer about as interesting as paint drying.

i hope we have an all out mud fight here. get sarah in here. also, let's drag all the stuff out of kirk's closet, please. mr family values. you know that is a lie, cuz he is a republican.
maybe doug hoffman might like to come on over, since he is unemployed.

please sarah, please.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

7. He's really fucking himself over with this Palin thing.

He had a good chance as a moderate. Not so much as a nutjub conservative.

[PopSixSquish]

8. What About Alexi Giannoulias?

or is he the dirty banker you referenced (since he's state treasurer). Admittedly I don't know much about him, but I know others who think he's a comer...

[mopinko]

9. yes, dirty banker. his family bank is well known as the bankrollers of scum.

and the mob. and as the president of same he did the same.
he did work hard for barack, and that is the likely reason he is the treasurer today. but if he had a reform bone in his body, as treasurer, i think he could have dug up a couple of bodies.

and that will be the issue. corruption. and it frustrates me, because somehow dem corruption hangs out, and thug corruption is hidden so well. but that will be the issue.

[iceman66]

6. Good move.

Does he really think that a Palin endorsement carries a lot of weight in Illinois of all places?