October 7, 2004

Videotape Reveals Kirk Deception

A videotape has been obtained of a speech made by Mark Kirk that proves Kirk misled the public on a significant matter involving national security. The tape shows that Kirk admitted on the floor of the House of Representatives that he was working for the C.I.A. while serving as a member of Congress, which according to the Daily Herald newspaper is a “major conflict of interest.” Kirk later denied having made the statement.

On June 23, 2004, Mark Kirk (Republican – 10th Dist. Illinois) said in a speech in the U.S. House of Representatives that he is working for the Central Intelligence Agency. A few days later, Democrat Lee Goodman issued a press release calling attention to Kirk’s admission. Remarkably, Kirk denied that he had made the statement in Congress, and he said the Congressional Record had misquoted him. Kirk said that he actually said he “was” working for the C.I.A. in the past. Kirk told reporters that the videotape of his speech in Congress would corroborate his story, but he failed to make the tape public. He also said that he had asked that the Congressional Record be changed.

The Goodman for Congress campaign has obtained the videotape of Kirk’s June 23 speech from C-span. Contrary to Kirk’s assertions, the tape clearly and unmistakably shows that Kirk said he “is” working for the C.I.A. – present tense. The Congressional Record still accurately quotes Kirk as saying he “is” working for the C.I.A.

Goodman is calling upon Kirk to resign if the statement he made in the House of Representatives is true. Goodman said Kirk should also explain why he misled reporters about his statements. “It’s an attempted cover-up on an issue involving national security. Either he works for the C.I.A. or he doesn’t, and at this point we can’t believe anything he tells us. If he works for the C.I.A., he shouldn’t be in Congress. The Constitution, which Kirk took an oath to uphold, prohibits him from simultaneously working for the C.I.A. and serving in Congress. But if he doesn’t work for the C.I.A., why did he say he does? And why is he now denying that he said what he said? It is clear that he tried to keep the truth from the reporters and from the public. If there is one thing voters in this area won’t tolerate, it’s elected officials who don’t tell the truth, especially about issues involving national security.”.

Back to Index of News Releases