Duckworth moves closer to Senate bid

Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) said Monday that she is stepping up her exploration of a run against Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) in 2016.

“I’m humbled by the encouragement that I’m receiving to run for the Senate,” Duckworth told The Chicago Tribune, “and I think it’s pretty clear that people are looking for a change, and I’m going to explore the possibility. I’m ready to really explore the possibility of a run.”

{mosads}Duckworth, an Iraq veteran who recently gave birth to her first child, has long been floated as a possible opponent to Kirk.

She told the Tribune that she had begun discussing the idea of a run with her husband as well as close advisors. She said he had not yet talked with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Duckworth will return to Congress from her maternity leave on February 16, according to the Tribune.

Kirk has said he intends to run in 2016 and that he expects to win, regardless of if he’ll be facing Duckworth.

“She has a very bright future ahead of her,” he said in November. “After only one term … you know, when you run for the Senate, you have to give up your congressional seat. If she gives up her congressional seat and loses against me, that’s a very sad ending to a bright career.”

“To fight and lose a Senate race against Kirk is a terrible start to a career,” he said.

Kirk was elected to the Senate in 2010 and suffered a significant stroke in 2012. He returned to the upper chamber in 2013.

A Kirk spokesperson said in a statement the senator “looks forward to a vigorous campaign” but that he is focusing on his policy portfolio right now.

–This post was updated on Jan. 20 at 12:04 p.m.