Watch the fireworks with this from Cornyn:
Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who heads the Republican campaign effort for the Senate in 2010, says he doubts he could elected to Illinois’ seat because of his conservative credentials and warned those in the GOP who wouldn’t back a social moderate that they are destined to keep Republicans in a “permanent minority.”
Cornyn, who was in Chicago on Monday for meetings with Illinois Republican Party officials and a visit to the Chicago Tribune editorial board, said his recruitment efforts for the state and others with a Senate seat up for election in 2010 center on finding a candidate who fits their state. And, Cornyn thinks socially moderate North Shore Rep. Mark Kirk would be a good fit, though he also spoke highly of west suburban Rep. Peter Roskam. Cornyn says he’s spoken to Kirk frequently.
This, of course, directly contradicts certain elements of the right wing of the IL GOP that the way to victory is purity of essence and running from the middle.
Fortunately for Democrats, the Illinois GOP primary voters are increasingly of the purity of essence wing.