Associated Press
As Sen. Mark Kirk's post-stroke rehabilitation continues, the Illinois Republican appears to have an unfortunate controversy awaiting his return to Capitol Hill.
Last week, Kirk's ex-wife filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that, during his 2010 campaign, the Republican hid campaign funds he directed to his then-girlfriend, after buying his ex-wife's silence.
Late last week, the story got a little more complicated for the senator (thanks to reader R.P. for the tip).
U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk was a leading sponsor of congressional legislation that has meant $5.3 million for two clients of his onetime girlfriend, and he is backing another bill that could bring millions of dollars to a third group she represented.
Kirk supported bills directing the Treasury Department to mint and sell collectible coins, with a surcharge for three nonprofit groups -- all of which had hired Arcadian Partners, a public relations firm led by Dodie McCracken, Kirk's ex-girlfriend and former congressional staffer.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Congress is "allowed to pass only two commemorative coin bills a year, creating fierce competition among organizations, with some hiring lobbyists and public relations professionals to influence lawmakers."
In this case, Dodie McCracken's firm wanted its clients to have the inside track on the lucrative commemorative coins, and wouldn't you know it, Kirk also wanted to lend a hand to groups that had hired his girlfriend.
To be sure, it could be a coincidence -- maybe Kirk just liked these specific organizations, and it just so happens they hired his then-girlfriend's p.r. firm -- but the circumstances raise legitimate questions about the lawmaker's motivations.
Charles Tiefer, a University of Baltimore School of Law professor and former deputy general counsel of the House of Representatives, told the Tribune Kirk's conduct may not have crossed the legal/ethical line, but said, "It's a question of appearances."
Kirk will presumably have these questions and more waiting for him once his health improves. For now, his office has dismissed allegations of impropriety as "baseless and unfounded."
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Maybe he can get his girlfriend's picture on a new $3 bill.
Dirty, and I mean really dirty politics is what's going to ring down the GOP. Even their own are turning against them now.
"To be sure, it could be a coincidence -- maybe Kirk just liked these specific organizations,..."
And if you believe that's a "coincidence", I've got a bridge for sale real cheap....
Really this is about a pattern of behavior by the GOP as a whole - for sale, traitors to the American people, their avarice for power keeps them in "quid pro quo" mode, this is no more of a "coincidence" then William Jefferson getting "caught with thousands in the freezer". This is indicative of the failure of politicians to be morally upright and actually work for the people instead of their own bank accounts.
FIRE THEM IN NOVEMBER!!
I'm afraid that what afflicts the GOP also infects the Dems. They are all on the make and take.
I'm not saying that the dems aren't equally culpable, but William Jefferson is in prison,, whereas David (ho-house) Vitter, Joe (can't pay child support) Walsh, and Thaddeus (voter fraud) McCotter (among others) are still in office even though their crimes if perpetrated by "regular Joe Citizen" would have gotten them arrested. The whole system has been co-opted and corrupted by money!!
you forgot John Edwards.
DAY-
Edwards didn't use his position in politics for personal gain. He was a rich guy before politics, he knew rich people, he then cheated on his wife, while not in a political position mind you, and had his rich friends give him money to cover it up.
None of that is predicated on him being a politician and gaming the system for his own gain.
you mean, To be [fair, as to not sound partisan, and inflammatory], it could... because there's no way calling this situation merely a coincidence is a "sure" thing at all. And if not for liable, you could certainly say it isn't a coincidence.
--edit: Zora beat me to this sentiment, and she said it better than me.
power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutley. This is why we need term limits we also need to give congress more than two years. They spend their entire time while in office worrying about getting re-elected give them the same 4 years of the president but on the off year.
Term limits solve nothing. We see that in CA where the scoundrels just move to another district and get elected, or run for another office that they aren't even qualified for. They'll find a way to game the system no matter what "new rules" you come up with.
This is, actually, a typical day in Illinois. (I live in Illinois.)
Somewhat related: Kirk is going to one of the best hospitals in Chicago, namely Northwestern, for treatment.
You kind of wonder what a guy getting such gold-plated treatment thinks about the Health Care Reform Act which extends health care to millions not lucky enough to be a U.S. Senator. And wouldn't you know, there's a nice quote which Kirk made prior to his illness that sums up his position completely:
"I'm Mark Kirk and I can’t wait to vote against the health care bill next week."
http://chicagoist.com/2010/03/23/mark_kirk_vows_to_lead_the_charge_t.php
But Kirk was not the introducing sponsor of any of these bills (the actual leading sponsors were two Democrats -- Dennis Moore of Kansas sponsored the Disabled Veterans coin and Christopher Carney of Pennsylvania sponsored the Medal of Honor coin, and one Republican -- Robert Dold of Illinois sponsored the March of Dimes coin). In fact, Mark Kirk didn't introduce any legislation during his entire 10 years in Congress that turned into actual law, which is quite pitiful in itself. How did he become a Senator?
Also, it takes 290 Congress folks and 67 Senators (2/3 majority in each House) to co-sponsor commemorative coin bills before they can even be brought up for a vote! Are you implying that McCracken had a romantic relationship with all these people? Now THAT would be a story!
By the way, the Disabled Veterans and Medal of Honor coin bills passed both House and Senate unanimously. March of Dimes bill hasn't reached enough co-sponsors yet for a vote.
This is a "nothing" story...but Kirk should still be replaced.
Mark Kirk has a girlfriend??? That's the biggest part of this news story. (I used to be from Kirk's 10th District in IL)