Rebounding from stroke, Kirk challenges GOP on issues

WASHINGTON | Last year U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., used a harness learning to walk again after a stroke that threatened not just his career but his life.

EDITORIAL: Coats' vote was for less safety

Shame on U.S. Sen. Dan Coats for voting against the improved public safety that expanding background checks prior to gun sales would bring.

What makes Congressman Mark Kirk so special?

Was it just me or were other people disgusted with the news media report on Mark Kirk's return to Congress? Now granted all I know about him is he was elected to Congress as a Republican.

MARK KIESLING: Jackson successor: Will he keep the airport idea flying?

The resignation of Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson Sr. was pretty much telegraphed when it became clear he is under federal investigation.

EDITORIAL: Jackson left constituents in the dark

When U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., began his medical leave of absence June 10, there's one thing he and his family neglected to do — alert the public.

Charbonneau honored for work to overturn cop entry ruling

INDIANAPOLIS | The determination of state Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, to undo a recent Indiana Supreme Court decision prohibiting Hoosiers from resisting unlawful police entry into their homes has won him accolades.

Quinn to fed bailout: No, thanks

CHICAGO | Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has two words for anyone talking bailout for the state: No, thanks.

Illinois congressional delegation to partner to clean up Great Lakes

SPRINGFIELD | Illinois' two U.S. senators and a couple of congressmen are pledging to rid the Great Lakes of pollution and promising hefty fines to municipalities that dump sewage in the source of drinking water for 30 million people.

Hackers crash Illinois Senate Dems' website

SPRINGFIELD | Unknown hackers shut down a state website for several hours Sunday and early Monday.

Blagojevich verdict voted top state story of 2010

SPRINGFIELD | The highly anticipated trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich -- with its lone guilty verdict that set up a repeat trial in the coming year -- was 2010's top news story in Illinois, according to members of The Associated Press and the wire service's staff. The ongoing saga over a…

Politicians, pundits seek success in the negative

"Shove it, buddy!" liberal talk show host Ed Schultz yelled at a caller to his radio program. When conservative pundit Glenn Beck decided to end a call to his own show, he shouted, "Get off my phone!"

‘Hot-button' issues pack veto session

SPRINGFIELD | Just as gamblers count cards to win against the house, some Illinois lawmakers are counting votes to win over the House.

Poll: Voters say Kirk, Giannoulias attacks unfair

CHICAGO | More than one-third of Illinois voters Tuesday saw neither of the top two candidates for Barack Obama's old U.S. Senate seat as honest and trustworthy, according to preliminary exit polls.

Democrats lose Obama's former Senate seat

CHICAGO | Republican Mark Kirk has won the Senate seat once held by the president, and his defeated opponent predicts he'll help a lot of people.

GOP scores big victories up and down Ill. ballot

CHICAGO | In an election that saw Republicans wrest away President Barack Obama's old Senate seat and a slew of congressional seats, Gov. Pat Quinn was practically the last Illinois Democrat standing Wednesday morning after a tough campaign - but just barely.

Candidates make last-minute pitches before Tuesday's voting

SPRINGFIELD | Candidates in top races took to the sky Monday, boarding airplanes to crisscross Illinois in one last bit of campaigning before voters head to the polls Tuesday.

EDITORIAL: A recap of our endorsements

Do you know who you will vote for on Tuesday? We would like to help make that decision easier with this recap of our endorsement in key races. We encourage you to take this to the voting booth to help you remember the best choices.

Despite tight races, turnout may be under 50 percent

SPRINGFIELD | Time is ticking down for Illinoisans to make up their minds.

Kirk gets mixed support from base

CHICAGO | Illinois U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk is just one of several Republicans running in down-to-the-wire races, but unlike his compatriots, is enjoying mixed support from his party's fundraising arms.

Kirk's campaign faces questions of trust

SPRINGFIELD | In a year when a restless electorate was ready to listen, Mark Kirk had a lot to talk about as he introduced himself to Illinois voters. There was his exemplary service in the Navy Reserve, his 10 years in Congress, his moderate views on key issues.