An appeal to a newly seated senator

Dear Sen. Kirk,

For the next six years and five weeks, you'll be one of two people serving Illinois and our nation in perhaps the world's most powerful legislative body. We congratulate you on your new status.

Though you are the state's junior senator, your jump start this week gives you seniority over the handful of other Republicans to be seated in January. With this unique opportunity to lead, you can be a model of compromise and bipartisanship building on the independence you have shown as the congressman representing our suburban 10th District.

We need that. Our nation is divided and hurting. We are still suffering the effects of a crippling recession and have endured harsh bickering from every corner. Illinois also needs your leadership. With counterpart Dick Durbin, you can work to bring our state its share of funds and federal projects to brighten our business and jobs picture.

The public is hopeful as Congress reconvenes. This is by no means a lame duck session for you, as your votes in the next two weeks will set the stage for your entire term. Voters will begin to see whether you maintain the standard you have set for yourself as a fiscal conservative and a social moderate.

Indeed, your record puts you smack in the center. Yet your recent vote against a small business lending bill raised suspicion among some about your commitment to improving the well-being of Americans. And your change of heart on cap and trade brought questions about your sincerity and willingness to break from your party.

On deck this abbreviated session are crucial votes. The limping economy puts the question of tax cuts for the wealthy front and center. The ballooning deficit demands prudent solutions with a long-term focus. You also may face decisions on Medicare funding; the renewal of the nuclear weapons inspections agreement with Russia; the DREAM Act, which offers certain young immigrants here illegally a chance at citizenship; and the repeal of the military's “don't ask don't tell” policy.

Peter Fitzgerald, who left your seat six years ago, recently offered you sound advice. “Just do what you think is right for the state of Illinois and the nation. Do not worry about the politics of individual votes,” he said.

It means continuing to look at the issues from a wide perspective and rising above partisan warfare. It also may mean overcoming the pressures of a Senate minority leader unwilling to bend.

In your final speech to the House of Representatives earlier this month, you contended that the political pundits show only “the extreme left and the extreme right, leaving the people to ask, ‘Who represents me?' I would say I am that candidate.”

You said it, Senator. Now represent Illinois well.