Kirk hosts lunch for GOP colleagues

WASHINGTON – Sen. Mark Kirk R-Ill., hosted a lunch for GOP colleagues on Thursday featuring some of Chicago’s top eats: Portillo’s hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, Lou Malnati’s Chicago-style pizzas, Carson’s ribs and Eli’s cheesecake.

Each Republican senator at the lunch also got a gift– miniature tins of Garrett’s popcorn BBQ rub from 17th Street BBQ from downstate Murphysboro. Kirk’s team also produced a video featuring all the reasons Illinois is the best state in the union.

“Illinois is the crossroads of our nation, with its vast interstate transportation system, the 10th largest economy in the country, the 2nd busiest airport in America, and our incredibly efficient and nationally known rail system,” Sen. Kirk said. “We are the 5th largest state in America, and are home to countless innovators and famous celebrities, along with some of the biggest employers in our nation.”

From Kirk’s office: “The Senate Republican Conference’s Weekly Thursday Group Lunch highlights a specific state each week when the Senate is in session. The Republican Senator from that state hosts the lunch, and picks a topic of their choice to discuss with the Conference. Food from the Senator’s state is generally flown in for the Conference to enjoy, and a state product is given as a gift to the Members of the Conference. No taxpayer funds were used to purchase today’s lunch and gifts.”