Illinois Rep. Kirk cool to governor's job

CHICAGO, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., said he was not particularly interested in running for governor should a special election be called to replace Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

"It's so corrupt, so dirty, you wonder if you want to apply your life's work" to it, Kirk told the Chicago Tribune's editorial board. "I'm more of a federal guy."

Blagojevich faces impeachment and has been indicted on federal corruption charges. It is possible Illinois would hold a special election next year to select a new governor should Blagojevich be removed from office.

Kirk, who represents Chicago's North Shore area, is fresh from a tough election battle for a fifth term in Congress. He told the Tribune he had considered running for Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat had a special election been called.