Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is refusing to comment on a controversial statement made by his fellow Republican, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk.
Asked last week about a recent cash payment to Iran contingent on the release of American prisoners, Kirk said President Obama was "acting as the drug dealer in chief."
Kirk and other Republicans have criticized the payment as ransom.
Rauner was asked Monday about Kirk’s characterization of Obama. He replied, "No comment."
“I heard something about that," the governor said. "I won’t comment on that. I will say that the senator has been a strong advocate, I think a good advocate for trying to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power.”
Kirk is up for re-election this November against Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth.
A Duckworth campaign spokesman says Kirk’s comments are offensive and he should apologize.
