Chris Cillizza: Mark Kirk Seeks Governor Palin's Endorsement in the Illinois Senate Race

Representative Mark Kirk (RINO-IL) is running for Barack Obama's old Senate seat in Illinois in 2010. After Obama resigned his seat early to assume the presidency, Roland Burris was appointed by the ethically-challenged former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich immediately before Blago was impeached and removed from office. Burris, who has ethics problems of his own, has announced he will not seek re-election to a full term, making this an open seat. According to Chris Cillizza, Kirk is actively seeking the endorsement of Governor Palin:

Illinois Rep. Mark Kirk penned a memo to Republican poobah Fred Malek hoping to secure an endorsement from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for his Senate candidacy, according to a copy of the memo obtained by the Fix.

After noting that Palin will be in Chicago later this month to appear on "Oprah", Kirk writes that "the Chicago media will focus on one key issue: Does Gov[ernor] Palin oppose Congressman Mark Kirk's bid to take the Obama Senate seat for the Republicans?"

Kirk goes on to write that he is hoping for something "quick and decisive" from Palin about the race, perhaps to the effect of: "Voters in Illinois have a key opportunity to take Barack Obama's Senate seat. Congressman Kirk is the lead candidate to do that."

Malek confirmed the authenticity of the memo in an e-mail exchange with the Fix.

Kirk's memo is tangible evidence of the power of Palin's endorsement in a Republican primary. Kirk, a moderate by voting record in the House, is clearly very concerned about the negative impact a Palin endorsement of one of his primary opponents could have on his chances at being the party's nominee for the seat being vacated by appointed Sen. Roland Burris (D).

More here. Kirk is a well-known liberal Republican who is one of the eight House Republicans who voted for the Waxman-Markey cap and tax bill. He has had some success in raising money and is considered (by establishment types) to have the best chance of winning a statewide race in Illinois among GOP hopefuls.

Exit question: If Governor Palin was hurt by Doug Hoffman's loss in NY-23, why is a liberal Republican in the very blue state of Illinois seeking her endorsement?

Update by Doug: (H/T Whitney) Via Susan Kuczka of the Chicago Tribune:

In an interview of the two 10th Congressional District candidates conducted by the Tribune editorial board, Kirk would not say whether he believed Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, had the necessary qualifications to become president.

"Quite frankly, I don't know," said Kirk, 49, of Highland Park, when asked if Palin could step into the job. In answer to repeated inquiries about Palin's experience, Kirk said, “I would have picked someone different."

Update by TR: Mark Kirk's team confirmed the story.