The Gist

The Problem With Mark Kirk

The Chicago Tribune’s Eric Zorn on how two races in Illinois could spell the end for moderate Republicans in Congress.

Sen. Mark Kirk waits to greet a veteran group from Chicago at the World War II Memorial on Oct. 2, 2013, in Washington, D.C.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Listen to Episode 608 of Slate’s The Gist:

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Eric Zorn from the Chicago Tribune joins Mike to discuss two contentious races happening in Illinois this year that could swing the balance of power in Congress. Incumbent Republican Sen. Mark Kirk is trailing badly to his Democratic opponent, Tammy Duckworth. And in the 10th congressional district, Rep. Bob Dold is facing a tight battle against his predecessor, Brad Schneider. Both races showcase an increasingly rare breed in Congress: the moderate Republican.

In The Spiel, what Halloween can tell us about partisan politics.

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