Judging by Sen. Mark Kirk’s latest ad , it would be easy to forget the Illinois Republican’s party affiliation. That is likely not an accident.  

Kirk released the ad saying he is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and is “a leader in protecting a woman’s right to choose.”  

In fact, the only time the ad mentions Kirk’s party affiliation is when it says he was the first Republican to call for a vote  on Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland.  

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Kirk Urges Republicans to Meet with Garland

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The ad closes by saying Kirk “bucked his party to say Donald Trump is not fit to be commander-in-chief.”  

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First Republican Senator Seeking Re-Election Won’t Support Trump

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It isn’t surprising that Kirk would show off his bipartisan bona fides in one of the toughest races for an incumbent.  

Kirk is running against Democratic Rep. Tammy Duckworth in deep-blue Illinois during a presidential election year when Democrats are more likely to turn out.  

Contact Garcia at EricGarcia@cqrollcall.com and follow him on Twitter @EricMGarcia.