Last week, we noted GOP Rep. Mark Kirk's statement on a local radio program indicating that he may back away from his earlier support for the Democrats' cap-and-trade bill if it comes up for another vote in the House.  As the reason for this recalibration, Kirk explicitly cited the strong criticism he received from conservative opponents of the proposal. On Fox Chicago Sunday over the weekend, Kirk again signaled that he is backpedaling on the issue. This led Politico to write a brief article on the topic.

Meanwhile, Kirk's apparent decision to bow to right-wing pressure appears to be paying dividends -- in the local conservative blogosphere, at least. For instance, Marathon Pundit had this to say about Kirk's Fox Chicago appearance:

Kirk didn't quite repent, but he came close.

But it looks like he got the message. 

And Backyard Conservative wrote a post headlined, "Kirk Moving In Right Direction On Energy," adding, "I will rethink my lack of support for Kirk."

This dynamic -- between Kirk and the conservative base of the GOP -- is one to keep a close eye on as the Senate race unfolds.