IL-SEN: Mark Kirk gives weekly GOP address on healthcare

Illinois Republican Senatorial candidate, and US House member, Mark Kirk gave the Republican Party's weekly address yesterday. (The GOP doesn't seem that keen for anyone to see it, I have to say - I eventually found it on the House Republican Conference YouTube channel, but not because it was linked to by any other national party website) Kirk spoke about healthcare reform, touting Republican-backed proposals for tort reform, out-of-state insurance options and patients' rights; and describing the reform package passed by House Democrats as a vast, unaffordable entitlement programme paid for by tax increases and cuts to healthcare provision for the elderly. Kirk does not come across as an inspiring orator (but in that setting, there's no reason why he should). I did like the fact that his address was calm, reasoned and policy-focussed. He didn't get angry, call anyone names or question their motives - he even managed to talk for three minutes about healthcare reform without using the word 'socialist'. I can see why he's keen to get out of the House.