WurfWhile

In a recent David Brooks New York Times Op-Ed, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” Brooks argued that “the smartest people in both parties have shifted attention from the past to the future, and a sense of flexibility and promise is in the air.” He suggested one example was Mark Kirk’s “’suburban agenda’ to help suburban families, not K Street lobbyists.” It seems that Brooks, helpfully glossing over six years of Republican national failure, spoke too soon.

Here’s a press release I received from a Citizen Action/Illinois coalition group today:

“Rep. Kirk Caves to Right-Wing on Budget Resolution
Local coalition upset with Kirk’s lack of forthrightness

Chicago, IL—After touting his new ’suburban’ political strategy to help address problems facing suburban families, Rep. Mark Kirk voted for a budget resolution that would slash healthcare, education, and other services meant to help middle-class families. Though Rep. Kirk projects a moderate image at home, he chose to break ranks with the 12 moderate Republicans who opposed the budget, including Rep. Tim Johnson (R-Champaign).

The local coalition of Emergency Campaign for America’s Priorities consists of community and religious leaders from Lake and Cook Counties. The group lobbied Rep. Kirk for the past several months, expressing concerns over a budget proposal that would cut healthcare, education and other vital services in order to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. The group met in person with Rep. Kirk in April. At the meeting, Rep. Kirk refused to say how he would vote on the budget resolution, insisting that the budget would not come up for a vote in the House.
‘When push came to shove, Rep. Kirk folded under the pressure of the Republican leadership and voted against his district,’ said Ryan Canney of Citizen Action/Illinois. ‘More disturbing is that Rep. Kirk misled religious and community leaders from his district by repeatedly saying that the budget wouldn’t come up for a vote. This budget makes serious cuts to vital community services while providing tax breaks to millionaires. For Rep. Kirk to support such an immoral budget is unacceptable.’

‘The choice could not have been clearer. The president signed a $70 billion tax break for millionaires just hours before Rep. Kirk chose to pay for those tax cuts by cutting funding for housing or veterans or food stamps,’ said local advocate Cindy Wolfson of Highland Park. ‘A budget resolution is about priorities, and Rep. Kirk’s priorities ring loud and clear today. He chose to pursue tax cuts for the richest Americans at the expense of healthcare and education funding. Furthermore, his refusal to tell his constituents in person how he intended to vote on this matter is extremely disappointing.’”

It doesn’t sound good: ignoring constituents, shorting the middle class and not owning up to it. Sounds to me like people ought to take a hard look at the other candidate running for the 10th Congressional seat Dan Seals. My understanding is that his suburban agenda cares about the people that live in the suburbs. It’s the right thing to do. If you want to help Dan please donate or volunteer. You can make a difference in the suburbs, the state and our nation by acting now.