The Hill News

Illinois's new Republican senator Mark Kirk made his debut on Twitter on Thursday under the handle @SenatorKirk.

As a House member, Kirk had no account to speak of, though he gained 4,529 followers during the election cycle at his campaign feed, @Kirk4senate. He was sworn in on Nov. 29 after defeating Democrat Alexi Giannoulias for the seat formerly held by President Obama.

Kirk's first tweet on his Senate feed linked to a New York Times article about the implementation of this year's sweeping health and financial reform packages.

Several Republicans, including Rep. Pete Roskam (R-Ill.), recommended him for "Follow Friday," and the account now has 70 followers! .