I hate to rain on Rep. Mark Kirk's parade twice in one day. But, well, here goes... This 2008 story by the folks at Progress Illinois is worth another read now that Kirk is carping about U.S. Senate opponent Alexi Giannoulias' tax refund.
The upshot of the Kirk story: The congressman bought a house in 2001 and sought a tax freeze available to property owners who renovate their historic homes. It's a benefit that will never be available to most Illinois residents, and one that cut his taxes by thousands.
The coverage doesn't specify whether Kirk's historic house was made of glass, but you can draw your own conclusions.