Someone sounds a little nervous about the idea of having to run for re-election against a decorated Iraq War veteran:
http://thehill.com/...
Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) says Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) “has a bright future ahead of her” — as long as she doesn’t get in his way in 2016.
The Illinois Republican is running “come hell or high water” in Democratic-leaning Illinois as perhaps the most vulnerable GOP incumbent in next cycle. There are several Democrats who could line up to challenge the freshman senator, but in an interview Thursday with The Hill, he suggested that Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran who had her first child this week, would be better served to wait for Sen. Dick Durbin's (D-Ill.) term to end in 2020.
“She has a very bright future ahead of her. After only one term … you know, when you run for the Senate, you have to give up your congressional seat. If she gives up her congressional seat and loses against me, that's a very sad ending to a bright career,” Kirk said about the congresswoman and potential rival.
“To fight and lose a Senate race against Kirk is a terrible start to a career,” the Illinois Republican said in a sit-down interview in his Senate office.
Democrats have already painted a target on Kirk’s back. He’s the only Republican from a heavily Democratic state facing reelection in two years and defeated a flawed candidate in the 2010 GOP wave with a 48 percent plurality of the vote. Though Democrats have a number of other purple-state opportunities, their path back to a Senate majority likely runs through Illinois. - The Hill, 11/21/14
When Kirk talks like this, he really makes me love the idea more of Duckworth running against him. He can be beaten. By the way, congratulations to Rep. Duckworth on this:
http://politics.suntimes.com/...
Rep. Tammy Duckworth D-Ill., and her husband, Bryan Bowlsbey announced on Thursday the birth of a baby girl on Tuesday, who they named Abigail O'kalani Bowlsbey.
Duckworth, 46, a wounded Iraq war vet, who lived in Hawaii said in a statement, "My husband Bryan and I are thrilled to announce that we are the proud parents of a baby girl. Abigail O'kalani Bowlsbey was born on November 18. Bryan and I were deeply honored that Senator Akaka acted as Hawaiian elder and selected her middle name. We are grateful for the love and support of our family and friends. We also appreciate the respect for our privacy during this important moment in our lives."
Duckworth announced her pregnancy on Labor Day, saying at the time the baby was due in December. - Chicago Sun-Times, 11/20/14
Rest up Rep. Duckworth because we are going to need you now more than ever.