Kirk apologizes for questioning Duckworth’s heritage

 

Sen. Mark KirkMark Steven KirkWhy Republicans are afraid to call a key witness in the impeachment inquiry Ex-Rep. Duffy to join lobbying firm BGR Bottom Line MORE (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.

 

 

During a debate between the Senate candidates on Thursday, Kirk drew criticism for his reply to Duckworth’s remarks about her family history.

 

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 immediately after the debate.

 

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonTrump to hold campaign rally in Michigan Saagar Enjeti ponders Hillary Clinton's 2020 plans Political ad spending set to explode in 2020 MORE criticized Kirk’s remark in a tweet Friday, thanking Duckworth for her military service.

 

"Thankful for @TammyforIL's—and her family's—service to this country. It's really not that hard to grasp, @MarkKirk," Clinton wrote.

 

Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpTrumps light 97th annual National Christmas Tree Trump to hold campaign rally in Michigan 'Don't mess with Mama': Pelosi's daughter tweets support following press conference comments MORE's campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, also weighed in on Twitter.

 

"The same Mark Kirk that unendorsed his party's presidential nominee and called him out in paid ads? Gotcha. Good luck," Conway wrote.

 

Kirk withdrew his endorsement of Trump for president in June after the billionaire's inflammatory comments about a federal judge’s Mexican heritage. Earlier this week, Kirk refused to say whom he will vote for on Nov. 8.

 

Kirk, considered one of the most vulnerable incumbent senators facing reelection, trails Duckworth by 7 points in the latest RealClearPolitics polling average.