Illinois Republicans want to make sure Mark Kirk is re-elected to the U.S. Senate - in one of the most-watched races in the country.
But Kirk is absent from the traditional start of the campaign season--political days at the Illinois State Fair. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider says he's not concerned about that.
"The fact that he's not here today doesn't mean anything today other than that I'm telling you he has our unwavering support. And the fact that he's doing the people's business instead of doing the state fair tells me he's taking care of business today."
A spokesman for the Senator says Kirk is meeting with a terrorism expert about the President's proposed nuclear deal with Iran, which Kirk opposes. The Democratic candidates for Kirk's seat are expected to participate when the party has its rally Thursday.