U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk to return to Congress in January

HIGHWOOD – U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk is setting his priorities for his return to Washington.

Kirk hasn't been back to the U.S. Senate since suffering a stroke earlier this year, but WLS TV reported that he's planning to return in January.

Kirk told WLS that he will make a ban on dumping sewage in the Great Lakes his priority for this Congress.

The 53-year-old Republican discussed his plans when he stopped at a polling place in the Chicago suburb of Highwood to cast his ballot Tuesday. He used a cane as he walked to the polls and greeted well-wishers.

Kirk's said he's feeling good after he climbed 37 floors of the Willis Tower on Sunday for a Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago fundraiser. He admits he took a long nap after the event.