CHICAGO - The Alexi for Illinois campaign launched a new Web ad today, challenging Republican Congressman Mark Kirk to stop hiding and start answering questions about why he wants to oppose President Obama and lead the effort to repeal health care reform. His absence on the issue is revealing since Congressman Kirk was one of the first to sign the Club For Growth's pledge to repeal health care reform back in January - one month before the bipartisan health care summit, and two months before a bill was available to read. Additionally, 13 days ago, behind closed doors, Kirk called President Obama a "one-termer," and promised Republicans in Winnetka to lead the effort to repeal the bill.
 
"Congressman Mark Kirk's complete silence on his promise to lead the effort to repeal the health care bill is just the latest sign that he is a typical Washington insider who would rather work with corporate special interests than fight for the interests of the people of Illinois," said Alexi for Illinois spokeswoman Kathleen Strand. "Now that health care reform is a reality, the people of Illinois deserve to know how and why Mark Kirk plans to repeal such important legislation. Why does he want to take away the tax credit for small business owners? Will he fight to put his friends from the insurance industry back in charge, so they can deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions? Is he ready to increase prescription drug prices on seniors?  As a candidate for the United States Senate, these are questions Mark Kirk needs to answer."
 
The Web ad can be viewed by clicking the picture below.

 
Kirk has not held a public event or made himself available for media interviews in weeks to answer these questions. To help keep track of how much time has elapsed since Mark Kirk promised to lead the charge on repeal, the Alexi for Illinois campaign has set up a "Tick-Tock Repeal It?" clock that is featured in today's new Web ad.
 
In the coming days, Kirk will have a chance to update families on how he is going to repeal health care reform, and answer why he wants to take away tax credits for small businesses, protect pre-existing conditions, and shut out 1.8 million Illinoisans who lack health care.  Members of the House of Representatives will be on recess from March 29 to April 12.
 
"The clock is running, Congressman," Strand said. "After consistently opposing President Obama, pledging to lead the effort to repeal health care reform and standing in the way of progress every chance you get, the people of Illinois deserve better."