Mark Kirk Wins Illinois Primary

Jillian Bandes | February 02, 2010 10:25 PM

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) has won the Republican primary for the Illinois Senate race to challenge the controversial Sen. Roland Burris (D). Kirk, who voted in favor of cap-and-trade legislation and abortion rights, did not have the backing of many movement conservatives.

Kirk seems to be more a Scott Brown than Dede Scozzafava, in terms of his ability to hold a Republican Party line while maintaining the balance needed in a liberal-leaning state — without going over the top. My old boss, Morton Kondracke, calls Kirk one of Congress' most effective moderates, and it's undeniable that his brand works in a place like Illinois. I just wonder if it will work on a national level, in a post-tea party GOP.