Kirk to talk about stem cell research

Republican Mark Kirk wants an executive order issued by President Obama made permanent so future administrations can't block federal money for stem cell research.

Kirk, who's running for Obama's old Senate seat, will be at the University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Medicine on Thursday to talk about research advancements.

The five-term congressman also will talk about legislation that can further protect stem cell research dollars.

Kirk is expected to be joined by researchers and other patient advocates.

He is locked in a tight Senate battle with Democrat Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois' first-term state treasurer.