Senator Kirk Defends Ryan’s Half Measure

Some observers have said House Speaker Paul Ryan has the worst of both worlds in saying he will not defend Donald Trump, but not rescinding his endorsement following the controversy over a video tape of Trump advocating sexual assault recorded in 2005. This leaves Ryan open to criticism. But, during a stop in Normal, U.S. Senator Mark Kirk says Ryan has done enough to distance himself from the GOP nominee and the Presidential candidate's comments about women.

"It is, I think. I have told publicly Donald Trump to shut the hell up with regard to Speaker Ryan," he said. "I don't think attacking your fellow Republicans is a way to build bridges in Washington."

Though hundreds of thousands of early votes have already been cast and the legality of ballot removal at this late stage is cloudy, Kirk still called on Trump to step down as the GOP standard bearer and on the Republican National Committee to choose a new candidate.

Senator Kirk also talked about the nation's heroin problem with Bloomington Normal leaders.

At the Marriot Hotel in Normal, the Republican urged elected and economic development officials to make sure police carry the opiate neutralizing drug Narcan in squad cars. And he said the form of that medicine matters.

"The FDA has said that nasal Narcan is not an approved use. I've been really working hard with the FDA to make sure that nasal Narcan is approved because with a police union, they might have a problem with needles," said Kirk.

Some officers, he said, are reluctant to administer shots for which they have not been trained. Kirk said he's working with a foundation to provide Narcan doses free of charge to police.

All Sheriff's Department squad cars in McLean County already carry Narcan.

Kirk is running against Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth.