Latest News Kirk takes heat from GOP for backing Obama's climate bill
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03 July 2009
As one of the eight Republicans who helped a controversial energy and climate-change bill narrowly clear the U.S. House last week, Mark Kirk continues to take heat from members of his own party for the vote.
Much of the backlash has been anonymous, coming from critics who habituate dailyherald.com, local political message boards and other Web sites. Using screen names like "Right," "Fedup57" and "Reaganlives," they've called the Highland Park lawmaker a traitor to the GOP and the nation.
Other detractors -- including conservative broadcasters Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck -- signed their invectives.
"If you have a Republican voting for this kind of government, what is the point?" Beck said on his June 29 Fox News program as photos of Kirk and the seven other Republicans who supported the bill appeared on a mock "wanted" poster.
Kirk called the anger understandable. Through talk-radio interviews, conference telephone calls and virtual town-hall discussions, he's been trying to address the GOP faithful's complaints and explain his vote, which he based primarily on national-security concerns.
"I will answer every question until people are done," he said. "It's something I have to take very seriously and work through."
The political cauldron is bubbling as Kirk weighs whether to seek re-election in the 10th District next year or to run for the U.S. Senate or governor's office.
If the climate plan moves through the Senate and becomes law, Kirk's recent vote could prompt a bitter Republican primary battle for whatever seat he pursues in 2010.
"I think right now (Republicans) are angry," said Dan Venturi, chairman of Lake County's GOP organization. "This will be an issue front and center."
The anti-Kirk movement within the GOP has swelled at a time when many in the party have been hoping he'd campaign for higher office.
