BREAKING: Kirk Was In But Now Out

The Washington Post reported earlier this week that Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) would run for the Senate seat formerly held by Barack Obama and now occupied by retiring Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL). But apparently Kirk has changed his mind, the paper is reporting this afternoon. Or had he never decided affirmatively?

Either way, with Kirk, the strongest possible GOP contender, out of the mix, Dems can breathe a temporary, at least, sigh of relief. The likely GOP nom becomes state party chairman Andy McKenna.

Dems possibly in play: state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Merchandise Mart CEO Chris Kennedy, son of Robert F. Kennedy.