Chicago Sun says Kirk is jumping in

[Sam Spade]

Where I disagree with BRTD is on this:

Mark Kennedy had proven his ability to get 53% in Michelle Bachmann's CD.  I don't know of any ability to raise money.  That shouldn't have said much then (or now)

Whereas, Mark Kirk has shown an ability to 60+% in a CD where Kerry got 54% and he got 55% when Obama got 60%+

Historically, here's what I would say:  At the statewide level, any Republican who can dominate in the Chicago suburbs is viable.  If Kirk can do that, he will be viable.

[ill ind]

  I haven't heard of any push for Kirk to run for Governor yet, although I do understand the GOP's motives in doing so. 
  The PPP poll numbers are interesting, but imho are too early to be taken at face value.

  Kirk is probably the best bet the Illinois GOP has at any statewide office yet.  The problem  I see is whether or not the conservative wing of the party will accept someone as socially moderate as Kirk or will the well practiced Illinois GOP circular firing squad be active again this campaign.

Ill Ind

[Brittain33]

Anyway, today is the best day for the NRSC in the past.... six years?

The Michael Steele "Puppies" ad was encouraging.

[Storebought]

Too much unusual good news for Illinois GOP. They must bring matters back to normal through one or more primary challanges by corrupted Springfield insiders. The woman and that undertaker are good choices.

[Badger]

Kirk has been mulling this for weeks. He initially was expected to decide by the end of April. There has been considerable pressure from some in the GOP for him to go for Gov. Those who are urging that see it as the best chance to split control for a chance at the 2010 map. That view is certainly not universal among the IL GOP, so its up to Kirk.

I suspect Kirk's leaning towards going for the Senate as opposed to Governor is strongly related to Madigan clearly leaning towards the latter.

[Lunar]

The original author or the topic article downgraded her original assessment of Kirk entering the race. 

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/04/republican_mark_kirk_poised_to.html

Note: In an earlier version I wrote Kirk was "poised" to jump in the contest. I revised to "mulling" later.)

[Lunar]

http://www.cdobs.com/archive/featured/personal-asides-mark-kirk-will-seek-reelection-to-the-house-nixes-gop-governor-senator,19985

[Brittain33]

http://www.cdobs.com/archive/featured/personal-asides-mark-kirk-will-seek-reelection-to-the-house-nixes-gop-governor-senator,19985

How reliable is that?

[Lunar]

 ish