Mark Kirk was a really, really good candidate. In 2008, a blue tidal wave year, Mark won reelection in IL-10 by 6 points as favorite son Obama carried it by 22. He was a very moderate Republican, and that's the only kind of Republican who has a chance of winning statewide in IL. He was to the left of Collins/Murkowski, and probably even Manchin.
He only lost as badly as he did in 2016 because his stroke completely messed him up. It would have been better to have him retire and let the GOP run Adam Kinzinger or Bob Dold.
Giannoulias also had some ethical issues, and Illinois Democrats were dragged down that year by the stink of Blagojevich.
Great reply, thanks!
Do you think Adam Kinzinger would have any chance at winning a senate race?
