He focused on popular dissatisfaction with the Iraq war and the scandals plaguing several Republican members of Congress. He also attempted to tie Kirk to national Republicans, claiming that he voted with the Republican majority 80% of the time. Kirk focused on local issues and argued that he broke from the Republican Party on several issues such as gun control, stem cell research and abortion.[8] Seals came closer than the Democratic candidates in 2002 and 2004, but ultimately lost to Kirk 53% to 47%.[7]