Illinois Primary: Senator Mark Kirk Aims For Second Term
CHICAGO (CBS) – Sen. Mark Kirk brushed aside token opposition to win the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.
But now he faces a big test in the general election in November in his bid for a second term.
The victory sets up a showdown against challenger Tammy Duckworth, Democratic nomination winner. It is expected to be one of the most expensive and closely watched contests in the country.
PRIMARY 2016: Complete Election Results
Sensing his vulnerability, Kirk split with fellow GOP Senators who say they will not hold hearings on President's Obama's nomination to replace the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
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"The coming election will be one of bold contrasts on the issues that impact Illinois families most," Kirk said in a statement after his primary win. "I will continue to fight to protect our country from terrorism, ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve, balance the budget, and hold the federal government accountable. Unlike my partisan opponent, I will continue to bring people together and put Illinois above Washington politics. Every day, I wake with a renewed sense of purpose – to do right for and by the people of Illinois."
