By IL Public Radio
Chicago, IL – Republican Mark Kirk is downplaying a recent interview in which his ex-wife said she would not work on his campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Kimberly Vertolli divorced Congressman Kirk last year.
And in a recent interview with Chicago Magazine - Vertolli said Kirk was working with an aide who was driving his campaign policies further to the right.
Kirk Monday dismissed Vertolli's statements. "She was concerned about a couple of my votes and in the end, those are my votes. Kimberly and I are close friends and allies. I support her."
Vertolli said she disagrees with Kirk in his support of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
Kirk again reiterated his support of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
In talking with reporters Monday - Kirk also again criticized his Democratic opponent - Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.
Kirk says Giannoulias gave out a loan to a man The New York Times has described as Saddam Hussein's banker.
In a statement - Giannoulias's campaign says he was not with the bank when that loan was made.
Kirk says Giannoulias is trying to distract voters with a new ad in their fight for President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.
The new Giannoulias TV spot accuses Kirk of lying repeatedly. In the ad are snippets of news and talk show hosts talking about incorrect statements Kirk made about his Navy Reserve service.
The ad also criticizes Kirk's record in congress. Kirk has apologized for false statements about his military service.
Green Party candidate LeAlan Jones is also running in the race.
