Seals targets Kirk on women's rights, pay equity vote

Democratic challenger Dan Seals pounced on U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk Tuesday for voting against so-called pay equity legislation.

"This is about fairness and respecting work," said the Wilmette businessman. "This is about the American dream."

The Paycheck Fairness Act was approved in the House July 31 and is now stalled in the Senate.

If approved, the measure would prohibit employers from punishing workers for sharing salary information. It would also broaden enforcement of the Equal Pay Act.

Kirk, a Highland Park Republican, voted against the measure because it also allowed trial lawyers to include women in lawsuits without their knowledge, said campaign spokesman Eric Elk.

Elk pointed out Kirk has been a co-sponsor on the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution.

Seals attack Kirk's vote underscores a likely reoccurring focus of his campaign: to align Kirk with Bush in the minds of voters in the increasingly Democratic-leaning district.

Meanwhile, Kirk is making moves to portray himself as a moderate Republican not beholden to Bush or GOP doctrine.

On Monday he championed an endorsement from Independent New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg as he pushed gun-control legislation.

Today, Kirk is planning a news conference to showcase an endorsement from the Illinois Education Association, a teacher's union that typically endorses Democrats.