CHICAGO—The Illinois chapter of the free market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity (AFP-IL) today praised U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kirk for his statement about the threat of dangerous policies in the looming lame duck session of Congress. AFP also called on Alexi Giannoulias to join Kirk opposing these threats as well. Kirk made the statements Friday morning on MSNBC’s Morning Joe.

AFP-IL State Director Joe Calomino issued the following statement:

“Congressman Mark Kirk correctly summarized the threats the country faces after the November election. It’s important for Illinois citizens to know that whoever wins the special election—taking place simultaneously with the general election in November—will be seated immediately. Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi are certain to push drastic policy measures in the lame duck session because their majorities in Congress will likely take a beating at the polls. Illinois’ next senator will be in a position immediately to stop those radical policies.

“I was proud this morning to see that Congressman Kirk understands those threats and has agreed to oppose them if he is elected. The real question is where is Alexi Giannoulias on this issue? He must come out publicly and let everyone know how he will vote on these crucial issues that will surely arise in a lame duck session?

“Congressman Kirk highlighted several of the important threats: a massive omnibus spending bill, a value added tax and the union payoff card check legislation. However, cap-and-trade energy taxes may also very well be on the last minute agenda. Kirk has signed AFP’s No Climate Tax pledge to oppose hidden tax increases in a climate bill. Where is Giannoulias on using a lame duck session to pass cap-and-trade taxes?”

AFP-IL State Director Joe Calomino and AFP VP for Policy Phil Kerpen’s opinion editorial in the State Journal-Register explaining the lame duck threat.