Thu. January 7, 2010
Chicago, IL -
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk today responded for the first time to a political advertisement that questions his sexuality.
After speaking at the Union League Club this afternoon, reporters asked the five-term congressman and Naval Reserve officer about the radio ad run by Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin that suggests he is gay.
"It's not true and it's somewhat painful because I was on active duty in Afghanistan and was not allowed to even comment about it," Kirk said of the ad.
This was Kirk's first public appearance since returning from a two-and-a-half week Naval Reserve stint in Afghanistan earlier this week.
"I think it really demeans the people of Illinois. It's a disturbing part of politics today that this is part of political debate, even when it's not true and outrageous," he said. "I wore the uniform. I'm a defender of free speech, even when it's completely outrageous and untrue."
The radio ad says there is a "solid rumor that Kirk is a homosexual" and that he "has surrounded himself with homosexuals."
Kirk's campaign website makes no reference to any LGBT issues. He is seen as a political moderate.
Kirk was divorced this past summer. His ex-wife, Kimberly, has endorsed his campaign.
Pat Brady, the head of the Illinois Republican Party, has denounced the ad and said the party will no longer recognize Martin as a legitimate Republican candidate.
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com