Activist: “The Kirk We Know”

David Streeter — February 3, 2010 – 1:47 pm | Domestic Policy | Election 2010 | GOP Hypocrisies | Republicans Comments (2) Add a comment

Activist Steve Sheffey published a new op-ed on The Huffington Post expanding upon Illinois Senate Candidate Representative Mark Kirk’s (R-IL) mixed record regarding a host of issues close to the hearts of Jewish voters. Sheffey, who is one of Kirk’s constituents, wrote:

Kirk is particularly good at manipulating the emotions of pro-Israel voters. He spoke at my synagogue a couple of years ago, and even I almost applauded. But when both candidates have essentially the same position on Israel, we should vote based on where the candidates clearly differ. Both candidates support Israel. Both parties support Israel. Why? Because the American people support Israel and recognize the shared values that tie our countries together.

The fate of the U.S.- Israel relationship does not hinge on Mark Kirk, and it never has. We should not let anyone manipulate our legitimate concerns about Israel to win an election. The Senate is fine on Israel without Kirk, and it will continue to be fine on Israel whether Kirk wins or loses.

But Kirk’s other stances are cause for concern. You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows—if you’re Mark Kirk, all you need is a pollster. As Giannoulias has noted, ‘Like a weather vane, Mr. Kirk’s votes on the issues can be predicted by the direction the political winds are blowing at this time’ ...”

Sheffey then dissected each of Kirk’s positions on issues, including:

• His move to the right on a woman’s right to choose and gay rights
• His vote against equal pay for women
• His vote in support of Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), who accused Israel of practicing “apartheid” policies
• His office’s threat to withhold funding from Tel Aviv University
• His refusal to condemn Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) for shouting “You Lie!” at President Barack Obama

Sheffey concluded:

Kirk’s record is not a ‘moderate’ voting record, at least not when it comes to the key votes—it’s a right-wing Republican voting record that contrasts with the mostly moderate rhetoric Kirk employed when running for re-election in the Tenth District. If you’re a pro-Israel Republican, then Kirk’s your guy.

But if you’re a pro-Israel independent or a Democrat, if you’re glad the Bush/Cheney years are over, you might want to think again before voting for Mr. Kirk.

 

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