With Republican Bruce Rauner in office, it's the GOP's first Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair in a dozen years. But one prominent member of the party was a no-show.
U.S. Senator Mark Kirk's finishing his first term, and Democrats hope it's his last. The race is expected to be one of the country's most heated.
Typically, party rallies at the Illinois State Fair are the unofficial kickoff to the campaign season. But Kirk is skipping them.
Campaign spokesman Kevin Artl says instead, Kirk is meeting with a terrorism expert in an effort to defeat the Iran nuclear deal.
"He's focused on governing."
Kirk, who suffered a stroke a few years ago, has made public missteps in recent months. But Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider says he has unwavering support for Kirk.
"He's our guy. He's our guy."
