Tue. June 1, 2010
A popular gay blogger known for outing politicians now claims to have sources confirming that Rep. Mark Kirk, an Illinois Republican, is a closeted gay man.
In a Tuesday Blog Active post, Mike Rogers cited several unidentified sources who contacted him following Kirk's vote against the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal.
Kirk, a five-term North Shore congressman and Navy reservist, is running against Illinois Treasurer and Democratic nominee Alexi Giannoulias for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by President Barack Obama.
The Human Right Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest gay rights advocate, pulled its endorsement of Kirk after he voted against repeal of DADT last week. The group has since thrown its support behind Giannoulias. Kirk is considered a moderate gay ally and received an 85% rating from HRC.
Rogers, who "outed" Sen. Larry Craig and Rep. Mark Foley, also claims Kirk alluded to his homosexuality during a 2004 party in Washington.
"It was at that party that I met Mark Kirk," writes Rogers. "I was introduced to him by the person I came with and at the time did not realize he was a member of the House. As my friend walked away, Kirk asked me if the man who introduced us was ‘single or attached.' When I said that he had a partner, Kirk replied disappointingly, ‘oh, well.' At the end of that interaction I walked away and didn't think much of it at the time."
During the February Illinois Primary, Kirk's sexuality came into quesiton when Republican rival Andy Martin suggested Kirk is gay.
Kirk has no children and divorced his wife Kimberly Vertolli last year. Vertolli denies the claims and continues to support her ex-husband's campaign.
Particularly damning to Kirk is the possibility of a Navy investigation as to his sexual orientation. "Don't Ask Don't Tell" (DADT) allows for a military inquiry to begin with no substantive evidence being offered. Were the allegations determined to be true, Kirk, an intelligence officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, could be discharged if charges are substantiated.
A spokesman for Kirk has not responded to ChicagoPride.com request for comment.
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