Kirk's vote on unemployment benefits neither thoughtful nor independent

When Mark Kirk voted last month against a broadly popular bill to extend unemployment benefits, he revealed just how meaningless his self-styled reputation as "thoughtful and independent" really is.

The bill, which passed with bipartisan support despite Kirk's vote, would extend unemployment insurance for all people whose benefits are set to expire before January 2009. At a time when more people are losing their jobs than at any point in the last 20 years, this bill will ensure that we keep supporting Americans who have fallen on hard times even as things are getting worse. It just makes sense.

That's why so many Congressmen - Democrats and Republicans alike - were thoughtful and independent enough to vote for it. It's also why Dan Seals, Kirk's opponent in this district, spoke out enthusiastically in favor of the bill. Mark Kirk, unfortunately, did neither of those things. I think we'd all like something better from our representative, and it's time to say so.

Josh Albert

Highland Park