Agriculture: With major exports of corn, soybean and wheat along with a supporting industry of manufacturing, research and trade, agriculture is the backbone of the Illinois economy. As a Senator, Mark Kirk will fight for Illinois farmers and expand opportunities for our state’s agriculture industry. By upgrading our river, road and rail systems, promoting ethanol and biodiesel, expanding exports to growing markets and keeping taxes low, we can raise incomes and create new jobs for Illinois. |
Ethics and Reform: Illinois deserves an experienced legislator with a proven record of reform to fight for integrity in public office. During the past several years, our state was misrepresented by corrupt politicians who served themselves instead of the people of Illinois. It’s time to set a new course. It’s time for something different. |
Fiscal Responsibility: Mark Kirk opposed Speaker Pelosi’s trillion-dollar stimulus plan. Congressman Kirk offered two amendments to the bill. The first Kirk Amendment successfully cut a $200 million set aside to re-sod the National Mall. The second Kirk Amendment, which would have created a bipartisan oversight panel, was rejected by the Democratic Leadership. |
Getting Illinois Working Again: Our state is in crisis – we need a new direction to rescue our economy and put Illinois back on track. Borrowing in Washington threatens severe inflation; borrowing in Springfield has already put our state’s bond rating at risk. Our leaders in Washington and Springfield think we should tax our way out of recession – but Illinois families, small business owners and family farmers know better. It’s time for something different. |
Health Care: Over the last several months, Mark Kirk led an effort in Congress to advance common-sense reform measures to lower the cost of health care for all Americans without compromising the doctor-patient relationship and without raising taxes. |
Kids Come First: As a former school teacher, Mark Kirk knows that kids come first. With a commitment to local control of schools, Congressman Kirk is leading efforts to improve public education, make college more affordable, protect our children from drug gangs and online predators and support programs for at-risk youth. |
National Security: In 1999, Kirk was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his service in Kosovo. The U.S. Navy and National Military Intelligence Association named Kirk’s team the VADM Rufus Taylor Intelligence Unit of the Year for outstanding service during Operation Allied Force. |
Veterans: As a 21-year Navy veteran, Congressman Kirk puts his fellow veterans first – improving veterans’ health care, expanding education opportunities, and honoring our disabled veterans. Since Mark Kirk took office in 2001, Congress has doubled its support for veterans’ health. |
