Kirk and Giannoulias prepare for forum in Chicago

U.S. Senate candidates, Illinois Treasurer and Democratic nominee Alexi Giannoulias (C), and Republican candidate Rep. Mark Kirk (L) prepare for their forum with moderator Phil Ponce in Chicago on October 27, 2010. The candidates are competing the seat currently occupied by Sen. Roland Burris, who was appointed by embattled former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich following U.S. President Barack Obama's election. UPI/Brian Kersey