The possibility of Rep. Mark Kirk running for the Senate is stirring up my Illinois readers. We’re in familiar territory — a Republican who is less conservative than many of the grassroots would prefer, but who competes strongest, at least according to early polling.

Campaign Spot reader Michael:

I wouldn’t be so quick to criticize those who are against Mark Kirk. If he won, he would be the 3rd most liberal Republican in the Senate behind Collins and Snowe according to American Conservative Union ratings. He would vote with the Democrats on the big issues and would likely fight his own party on issues like tax cuts and smaller government. He should earn the support of conservatives and not automatically get their vote just because he has a “R” after his name. He has shown his willingness to be an activist not for the platform of the GOP, but for the “Main Street” group of Republicans who seek to undermine the party’s core beliefs and make us a pale immitation of the Democrats. He may well win in Illinois, but if he does, he will be a constant thorn in our sides.

Kirk’s 2008 American Conservative Union rating was 48, and his lifetime rating at the end of last year was 55.68. (100 is most conservative, 0 is least conservative.) I would also note that under the Cook Partisan Rating, his district has a rating of D+6, which makes it a pretty Democratic area for a Republican to represent.

From Campaign Spot reader Bill:

Your reader has it all wrong, Illinois conservatives don’t have it in for Mark Kirk over the cap & trade vote. They (we) never cared much for him in the first place. Rest assured that there will be a conservative in the GOP Primary, probably several who will cancel themselves out and Kirk will win the nomination anyway.
By the way Obama succeeded Peter Fitzgerald, not exactly a bed wetting lib. The Illinois GOP is deservingly wandering the wilderness right now but people forget the party held all of the statewide offices as recently as eight years ago. The Dems will do their wandering in due time.

From Campaign Spot reader Todd:

I live downstate in IL, sad to say. (Just moved here last year from NC) I have to admit I am torn on the whole Kirk issue, as I see what you are saying about not electing Burris, but by the same token, Kirk, IIRC, was a sponsor of the Hate Crimes legislation, not a real 2nd Amendment defender, and voted for the Cap & Trade. Now if he is going to vote with the Dems ion the big stuff, what does it matter what letter is behind his name? I may as well go with Burris, and at least the measures will pass with one less ‘R’ in the Aye column. Either way, the Dems get what they want, but at least we give them one less vote of cover, no? as I say, that is what I wrestle with in the whole scheme of IL politics. Heck, My Democrat Congressman voted against Cap & Trade, at least. Just a thought. Kirk may swing right as he runs for Senate, but once he has the job, then what? Remember the last elected IL Senator and something about expiration dates?

Finally, from Campaign Spot reader Brittney:

I am upset about Kirk’s vote also, but doesn’t the chance of winning Obama’s old seat make conservatives who are mad at him better? I think Kirk gives a good chance to pick this seat up. I feel sometimes conservatives want a candidate that they can fully support and agree with them fully.That person won’t get elected statewide in Illinois. Kirk may have made a bad vote, he is a good shot of taking the seat in a election year where the Democrats can probably get more than 60 votes.