Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk will not attend the Republican National Convention this summer in July.
“Senator Kirk has his own re-election to win, so he will be working hard toward that goal, not going to the Republican convention in Ohio,” campaign manager Kevin Artl told The Daily Herald Thursday.
Kirk is seeking a second term as senator in Illinois, but faces a tough reelection battle against Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth.
Kirk joins other top Republicans locked in reelection battles — New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, for example — who have opted to campaign in their home states intend of attend the convention to possibility of a contested convention.
Kirk’s decision likely isn’t due to the possibility that Donald Trump is the nominee, however. Kirk said before last month’s Illinois primary he “certainly would” support the billionaire businessman if he were the GOP’s choice.
Trump won last month’s Illinois primary.
