CHICAGO - Taking Republican Congressman Mark Kirk at his word that the reason he did not attend his party's Sarah Palin fundraiser last night was because he had votes to cast, the Alexi for Illinois campaign today is expressing its deep regret that Congressman Kirk didn't change his plans.  His votes on the House floor, as it happens, are far more damaging to the country than any rubber-chicken pow-wow with his party's former vice presidential nominee would have been.

CHICAGO - As the former Alaska Governor and Tea Party spokeswoman Sarah Palin visits a Chicago area fundraiser for the Illinois Republican Party tonight, which will no doubt benefit Congressman Mark Kirk's campaign, the Alexi for Illinois campaign released a new video making clear that although he may have stayed hundreds of miles away, Mark Kirk cannot hide the growing similarities between himself and Palin when it comes to attacking, insulting and obstructing President Obama's agenda.

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Mark Kirk praises former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, agrees with her on healthcare reform and even seeks her endorsement.