Kirk's background needed in Senate

As someone who met Mark Kirk during his first campaign for Congress, I've been proud to support him then and in every election since.

Mark has been a leader on fiscal issues, from advancing the use of the line item veto, to offering the "Small Business Bill of Rights," to voting in favor of extending unemployment benefits five times to help those in need while making sure the cost is budget neutral.

In an increasingly partisan Congress, Mark has worked with Democrats on such issues as protecting Lake Michigan, supporting Israel and the threat to the world from Iran. He was a founder and co-leader of the moderate-Republican caucus in the House.

The Senate needs someone of Mark Kirk's bipartisan accomplishments and skills, as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani made clear just last week.

Mark Leopold

Highland Park