Kirk apologizes for questioning Duckworth’s heritage
By Elliot Smilowitz
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Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) on Friday took to Twitter to apologize to his Democratic challenger for questioning her American heritage at a debate the night before.
“Sincere apologies to an American hero, Tammy Duckworth, and gratitude for her family's service,” Kirk wrote.
Answering a question on Middle East policy, Duckworth — an Iraq War veteran — detailed her family's military service going back to the American Revolution.
"I forgot that your parents came all the way from Thailand to serve George Washington," Kirk responded.
Duckworth's mother is an immigrant from Thailand, and her father is a World War II veteran.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee called for Kirk to apologize, and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump’s campaign manager criticized Kirk’s remark in a tweet.
Kirk, considered one of the most vulnerable incumbent senators facing reelection, trails Duckworth by 7 points in the latest RealClearPolitics polling average.
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