McKenna backing out, if
After significantly ratcheting up his brief bid for Senate last week, Illinois GOP Chairman is scaling it back down now.
A close source told the Daily Herald Friday McKenna was "dead serious" about his run and could enter even if U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk of Highland Park finally pulled the trigger.
Over the weekend it was clear that top national Republicans were asking McKenna to back down and let Kirk have a clean shot at getting to the general election.
McKenna then put out this statement today:
“As Party Chairman my goal has been to build Party unity. Mark Kirk and I met last evening as part of an ongoing discussion about the U. S. Senate race. I reassured Mark that if he chooses to be a candidate, I will not oppose him.”
Kirk, who has been floating a bid for months, responded with this statement this afternoon:
"I appreciate Andy McKenna's willingness to consider being a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Andy and I share the common goal of ensuring Illinois has a Republican leader in the U.S. Senate." " I will make an announcement about seeking statewide office soon."
Representative Kirk has a "Jack Ryan" problem that precludes him from becoming a candidate for statewide office. His reluctance to announce is embarrassing and is obviously based on the "Jack Ryan" situation. We will be providing a detailed analysis of his divorce on Thursday, July 16th. "On paper," Mr. Kirk may look formidable to the Beltway pundits and powerbrokers in Washington. He is a skilled practitioner at selling his public office for private gain. But in the real world, on the streets of Illinois cities and in the Republican primary, Mark Kirk is a sure loser.
If anyone wants to know why Kirk is not announcing, a perusal of our blogs will provide the answer.
Andy Martin
Republican for U. S. Senator
www.AndyMartin.com
www.andyforussenator.blogspot.com
www.andyforussenator.wordpress.com
Do you think McKenna was ever serious? I don't. I don't think he's got the guts and I also have to think that even Andy knows he would be slaughtered in a statewide. Republicans want him gone as state chair because of the lousy job he's done. I know of no one who thinks he deserves a promotion.
Cap'n Trade Kirk is also obviously terrified of a statewide run too, and he should be scared. He's almost as unpopular with the base as McKenna is right now.
Republicans need to find someone better than these two or it's going to be another blowout next November.