Mark Kirk

Mark Steven Kirk is a Republican member of the U.S. Senate representing Illinois since 2010. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the 10th District of Illinois, since 2001. Kirk's election in the 2010 general election also counted as a special election and he was seated during the lame-duck session of the 111th Congress.

Iraq War
Kirk voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Terrorist profiling
On November 5, 2005, while speaking at Northwestern University, Kirk stated that he is "O-K with discrimination against young Arab males from terrorist-producing states." Despite calls from American-Muslim groups and other politicians for an apology and retraction, Kirk stood by his statement. He acknowledged the statement was "politically uncomfortable".

Energy
"Environmental groups--Mark Kirk backers in the past--backing Giannoulias in Illinois Senate race" Sun Times. June 8, 2010

This article also discusses how Kirk was dropped in endorsements that Kirk once held from two notable environmental groups. The groups cite Kirk’s commitment to big coal companies as a reason for his lost endorsement. Additioanlly, Kirk flip-flopped on his commitment to passing a cap-and-trade program. He was intially one of eight Republicans to vote for the bill when it passed the House in 2009. However, he has recently stated his opposition to the bill.

Climate
"Kirk's flip-flop on energy" Politico. July 27, 2009

As a member of the House Kirk voted in support of the cap and trade bill to the dismay of Republicans. In an attempt to win back Republican votes for the Senate race this article details how Kirk is supporting energy policies in contrast to the ones he and his constituents of his district held. Kirk recently stated, "I’ve always backed energy independence policies, but I’ve heard from people on this issue like no other. The energy interests of Illinois are far broader and deeper than my North Shore district. The political prospects of this bill are dim in the Senate… I think the bill in its current form is probably dead,”

Health
"Kirk reaffirms opposition to Obama health care law" Sun Times. July 13, 2010

Kirk reaffirmed his opposition to the health care bill passed this spring. He will move forward with his promise to repeal the health care reform bill, an act that would require 218 votes in the House. On the matter, Kirk issued the following statement: "I think that as Republicans and Americans we should be for healthcare reform, but the kind of reforms that I want to back don't weaken the finances of the federal government long-term with new spending. Don't make the kind of Medicare cuts that were mandated in the legislation of which now in other Illinois communities I heard very extensively about and do include a big missing item in the reform, which is lawsuit reform that should have been part of the package originally."

"Kirk's "Flip-Flop-Flip" on Helath Care Repeal" Progress Illinois. July 13, 2010

This article tags Kirk with a reputation of changing his position on controversial policies whenever it is politically beneficial for him. Weeks before the health care bill was passed, Kirk promised to spearhead the efforts to repeal Obama's health care legislation. After criticism from the media, Kirk changed his position to only oppose the Medicare cuts and new taxes. Recently, Kirk has changed his position again after pressure from conservative activists to oppose Obama's reform. He now supports a full repeal of the health care legislation to be replaced by an alternative bill.

Research and development (R&amp;D)
"Kirk calls for permanent embryo experimentation funding" Illinois Review. April 8, 2010

This article includes a statement issues by Mark Kirk concerning embryonic research. Kirk affirms that he is a proponent of pluripotent embryonic research and will support legislation making sure this research not barred from receiving federal funds in the future. Kirk see pluripotent stem cell research as a new avenue for finding new treatments and cures for chronic diseases.

Science Policy tracking by Arifeen Rahman, SEA National Security Intern

Bio
Kirk was born on September 15, 1959 in Champaign, Illinois. He attended the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cornell University, received a Masters Degree from the London School of Economics, and a Juris Doctor degree from the Jesuit-run Georgetown University.

He serves as an officer in the United States Naval Reserves and was named Intelligence Officer of the Year in 1999 for his service in Kosovo. Kirk was a lawyer, a staff member for Representative John Edward Porter, a special assistant at the Department of State, and a staff member for the House International Relations Committee before entering the House.

2006 elections
In 2006, the Democrats nominated Dan Seals to face Kirk in his November 2006 bid for reelection. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006) Kirk won 53% to 47%. Kirk and Seals debated only once. A second debate was scheduled but Seals dropped out at the last minute. 

Money in politics
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Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * House Committee on Appropriations
 * Subcommittee on Financial Services
 * Subcommittee on Homeland Security
 * Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Committee on Appropriations
 * Subcommittee on Foreign Operations Export Financing and Related Programs
 * Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies
 * Subcommittee on Science State Justice and Commerce and Related Agencies

Coalitions and Caucuses

 * Republican Main Street Partnership
 * The Republican Majority for Choice
 * Republicans for Environmental Protection

Affiliations

 * Public Advisory Committee, Population Institute
 * U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea - Board of directors
 * Director, National Endowment for Democracy
 * Director, Population Resource Center

More Background Data

 * 2006 Illinois CD 10 Candidate List from VIS

Resources

 * Official website
 * Campaign website
 * News videos about Mark Kirk
 * Mark Kirk dodges an Iraq War Veteran asking him to take a stand on the Iraq War (Jul. 2007)
 * Mark Kirk commercial on a VA hospital (Oct. 2006)
 * Mark Kirk speaks on killing funding for the "Bridge to Nowhere"
 * Mark Kirk speaks on his work to fund the expansion of the commuter rail
 * At Center Network videos pertaining to Kirk
 * "Kirk Walks Away" (7-10-2007)
 * "Mark Kirk Singalong" (7-20-2006)
 * "Scaring The Jews" (6-5-2006)
 * "Censorship" (5-22-2006)
 * "Suburban Agenda" (5-28-2006)
 * "Politics vs. Child Safety" (5-15-2006)
 * "Republican At Work" (1-26-2006)
 * "Moral Budget Vigil" (12-19-2005)
 * "1000th Day of Iraq War" (12-14-2005)
 * "Racial Profiling" (11-22-2005)
 * "Budget Demonstration" (11-16-2005)
 * "Cindy In Deerfield" (9-12-2005)
 * "Petition Delivery" (6-1-2005)
 * Open Secrets congressional race database

Articles

 * Chicago Pride Federal Hate Crimes Bill Re-Introduced in Congress March 22, 2007
 * Dr. Richard Benkin House Resolution 64 Passes Overwhelmingly: Demand to Drop Charges against Bangladeshi Journalist Now Official US Policy Asian Tribune 3-15-07
 * Jim Newton "Funding sought for Waukegan Harbor cleanup" Waukegan News Sun
 * Andrew Wang "Governor leaves out harbor" Chicago Tribune - March 14, 2007
 * Dave Savini "TSA reacts to airport security gaps investigation" CBS 2 Chicago - March 5, 2007.
 * Kendra Marshall "'Best healthcare' for military, vets" Waukegan News Sun - March 3, 2007
 * Lynn Sweet, "Kirk rips aide for threat to foe's backer," Chicago Sun-Times, October 26, 2006.
 * Lynn Sweet, "Mikva wants probe of e-mail from Kirk staffer," Chicago Sun-Times, October 31, 2006.

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Team America's Tenth District Blog
 * Ellen's Illinois Tenth Congressional District Blog
 * Philosophe Forum
 * "GOPulse"
 * "Backyard Conservative"
 * "Capitol Fax Blog"
 * "Tenth Dems"
 * Prairie State Blue - Statewide Illinois Progressive Politics Blog