For the second time in less than a week, Congressman Mark Kirk is ducking appearances with U.S. Senate Nominee Alexi Giannoulias as the Nov. 2 election draws near.

Both candidates were invited several weeks ago to appear with Cliff Kelley’s radio show on WVON today for an hour-long debate. But Kirk has not even bothered to respond, despite the station’s repeated requests.

Saying its choice is crystal clear, the Chicago Defender today endorsed Alexi Giannoulias’ candidacy for U.S. Senate.

"The current state treasurer has compiled a stellar record in office, and would vote in support of the initiatives that President Obama has started,” the newspaper stated. “[Giannoulias] has stressed that he would be accountable to the Black community….Republican Mark Kirk has already stressed that his aim is to make Obama a one-term president.”

Saying its choice is crystal clear, the Chicago Defender today endorsed Alexi Giannoulias’ candidacy for U.S. Senate.

"The current state treasurer has compiled a stellar record in office, and would vote in support of the initiatives that President Obama has started,” the newspaper stated. “[Giannoulias] has stressed that he would be accountable to the Black community….Republican Mark Kirk has already stressed that his aim is to make Obama a one-term president.”

Alexi Giannoulias clearly won tonight’s ABC7 debate by addressing the real issues that voters care about like fixing our economy and getting Illinoisans back to work.

* Obama slams Kirk, not by name, at Giannoulias fund-raiser - Chicago Sun-Times

President Obama sought to remove all doubt Thursday that the White House is 100 percent behind his old friend, Democrat Alexi Giannoulias, to take Obama's old Senate seat. "Alexi is my friend. I know his character. I know how much he loves this country."...Without mentioning Giannoulias' Republican opponent, Rep. Mark Kirk, by name, Obama appeared to slam him, saying "Alexi is not one of these politicians who puts his fingers to the wind and changes who he is or where he stands to suit the political moment."

Hello, everybody!  Hello, Chicago! Thank you very much.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Everybody have a seat.  Have a seat, everybody.

It is good to be back home. It is good to be back home, and I am so proud to be standing here with the next Senator from the great state of Illinois, Alexi Giannoulias.

Now, we’ve got some other important personages here, so I want to make sure to make mention, because they have been great friends for many years to me and to so many of you.

President Obama Rallies Democrats for Alexi : video

President Obama rallies Democrats in support of Alexi Giannoulias and the importance of this Senate race to the future of the country.

REMARKS BY ALEXI GIANNOULIAS:

Thank you very much; it is great to see so many friends and supporters. I want to begin by thanking the finest mayor in the United States of America. Someone who cares deeply about this city, someone who fights every single day for people on the west side of Chicago, south side of Chicago, someone who loves this city, loves being the mayor, someone who I'm very proud to call my friend, Mayor Richard Daley. Thank you, Mayor.

A Special Message From David Plouffe : video

David Poluffe, President Obama's Campaign Manager, on why this race is important to the future of the country.