Kirk: 'Trying To Avoid A Primary' In IL SEN

After much 'Will he? Or won't he?' speculation this afternoon about GOP Rep. Mark Kirk's desire to run for Senate in IL, Kirk said in an email to The Hotline that he was "still talking to Andy. We are trying to avoid a primary."

The "Andy" he references is IL GOP Chair Andy McKenna, who has made serious signals in recent days of his intention to run. When asked if this means that he may ultimately forgo a run, Kirk replied: "I will run if Andy does not."

If Kirk does bow out it would be a blow to the NRSC, which had seen a solid week of recruiting success. Kirk not only brings a moderate profile and a suburban Chicago base but also a substantial warchest. Additionally, the NRSC had publicly mocked the Dems for their recruiting troubles for Pres. Obama's old seat.

Even so, the fact that Kirk's campaign roll-out has been so poorly managed suggests that his team and his own skill set will need a major upgrade if he does ultimately pull the trigger on a SEN race.

(AMY WALTER)