Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Gray Lady Scopes Wilmette

NY Times boilerplate on Republicans supposedly losing their base on the war, dateline Wilmette. They called me on this one on my way out of town, but I am not a fan of the Times, as you know, and was not going to talk to the gray old lady media.

As far as Kirk's district goes, demographics have made it less Republican. The inner suburbs are trending Democrat as the exurbs are more Republican, but as we all know, Illinois overall is a Democrat rout these last few years.

Kirk has always had close wins, as much of his support is a libertarian strain of Republican---socially liberal, fiscally conservative, and usually isolationist---tempered by an appreciation for free trade and the role of America as leader of the free world. It's a delicate balance, a polite dance of Kirk and his constituents. He is more independent than not, and so represents the 10th district fairly well.

But I would say he survived a challenge by an attractive Democrat candidate in the national Democrat tsunami year, so I would think his seat is defensible.

Kirk is also a strong supporter of Israel, a key stance for this district.

Postscript: Besides, now that the Democrats control Congress again, people are reminded of what rats they are.

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