Newspaper editorial boards tend to like "independent" politicians, since I think in large part editors like to identify themselves with people they believe reflect their values, and especially nowadays, "independence" seems to equate with being a 'rational thinker' who is not overly swayed by loud voices on either the right or the left. That worldview seems abundantly evident in an editorial this morning in the Daily Herald, where the fearless editors give chops to our new Senator Mark Kirk, for already taking the path of reason and bi-partisanship (according to the DH) in just his first few weeks in office:
Barely three weeks into his tenure as a U.S. senator, it’s far too early to wrap Republican Mark Kirk in that mantle, but we have to say he appears to be off to an encouraging start.
Considering the tectonic shift of his rhetoric during the primary and election campaigns, it has been hard to know just what drummer the Highland Park Republican is marching to. In the past week, he’s provided some clarity where it counts most — on the Senate floor — first voting in favor of repealing the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy on gays and then indicating, again contrary to the dictates of leadership and the swell of his party, he would vote for the START agreement on nuclear disarmament.
On both issues, Kirk’s independence carries special authority because of his own military background. Evident in stories written last weekend by Daily Herald political writer Kerry Lester was the extensive research Kirk conducted before settling on his vote regarding Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. He knew what questions to ask and where to go for straight answers. Then, he let those conversations, rather than partisan pressures, govern his political decision. No doubt, similar backgrounding infused his decision regarding the nuclear proliferation treaty with Russia, where again it appears the new senator relied on experience and intuition rather than simple party affiliation to form his opinions.
As with any editorial board, you're only as good as your last vote as a politician, so Kirk has a long way to go to continue to reestablish his reputation for honesty and independence after a grueling campaign, but he seems like he's off to a great start.
In other news, Kirk seems poised to support ratification of the START treaty, especially if Senator John McCain is successful in making a few tweaks to the treaty language before the vote. Kirk and fellow Illinois Senator Dick Durbin are also taking a lead on compelling U.S. EPA to investigate whether we are being exposed to dangerous levels of hexavalent chromium (a/k/a Chromium-6) in our drinking water, which I can tell you as an environmental attorney, is really bad stuff.
UPDATED: Kirk votes "no" on ratifying the START treaty. Guess he was really serious that the McCain amendment was pretty important to him...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
6 comments:
Disagree with you, to the daily herald independent means supporting liberal positions they side with. He should be voting against START. I really hope we don't get 6 years of this liberal today conservative tomorrow small ball bs. We were promised a lamar alexander mitch daniels principled moderate conservative , I hope we don't get a jim jeffords or arlen specter.
FOKLAES
I never heard that Rep. Kirk would be as conservative as Lamar Alexander and Mitch Daniels, if Kirk became a senator. Since he was my congressman, I knew that he would agree with Democrats, about 2/3 of the time.
Conservative Veteran
there are plenty of senators who come from states that dont align with their party and yet stay true to their beliefs. nelson of nebraska, reid of nevada, tester of montana. i'd rather see the senator as a moderate conservative who has consistent votes then spending 6 years worrying about what the suntimes thinks. In fairness, we could have a much different state then and at this rate, the newspapers could be out of business.
in the case of the suntimes, let's hope.
FOKLAES
Foklaes, did you see my question to you re the `12/18 article?
B&B's Mom
Dold is certainly off to a good start showing his fiscal responsibility & family values.
So Anon 9:31, you, the New York Times and Democrats are offended that these newly elected Republicans are paying off their campaign debts and raising fresh cash for some difficult reelection races?
How DARE they! Harrumph!
I'm sure you, the New York Times and Democrats would be just as equally offended if Democrats were also busy raising cash right about now for the same reasons?
No?
And as for carping over "Family Values" I guess we will save that one for the next Bill Clinton fundraiser for Democrats! :-)
Ah that painful shoe when it fits that other foot!
Louis G. Atsaves
Post a Comment