Senator John McCain endorses Mark Kirk for Illinois Senate Seat

Republican Congressman Mark Kirk received a big endorsement Sunday in his bid for the U.S. Senate.

Former presidential candidate and current Arizona Sen. John McCain was in the Chicago area to help give Kirk's campaign a financial and political boost.

Kirk is among more than six people who have announced their candidacy for the February 2nd GOP nomination, all hoping to take the seat that will be given up by appointed Democratic Sen. Roland Burris.

Sen. John McCain came to Glenview on Sunday to endorse a fellow Navy man -- Rep. Mark Kirk -- for the Senate seat formerly held by Barack Obama.

Kirk, a U.S. Navy intelligence officer, was an early supporter of McCain's presidential bid.

"Mark Kirk will restore honest government to Illinois, strengthen our national security, fight for veterans and bring fiscal discipline to Washington," McCain told a gathering of veterans in Glenview.

Illinois' Senate contest is headed for the national spotlight.

Former Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain was in Chicago this weekend to throw his support behind GOP Congressman and Senate candidate Mark Kirk.

The GOP frontrunner was hosting a veterans' event and fundraiser.

McCain's endorsement is the latest sign that the race to replace Roland Burris will draw big names, and likely some big dollars.