War veteran Tammy Duckworth appears to have beaten opponent Raja Krishnamoorthi for the right to carry the Democratic torch into the general election and face off against fire-brand Tea Party Incumbent, Joe Walsh for the 8th Congressional District seat.
With 92 percent of precincts reporting as of 10:25 p.m., Duckworth led Krishnamoorthi 67 percent to 33 percent.
"I am so proud to be standing here in front of you, ready to bring back common sense and practical solutions to Washington because that's what the residents of the 8th district need. That's what they deserve," she told supporters at an Election Night event in Homewood.
"I spent my entire adult life in service to this nation, and I would be honored to continue that service as a member of Congress," she said.
There wasno immediate statement from Krishnamoorthi.
Though he exceeded Duckworth's cash flow at points in the race, the former Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs proved more popular in the polls. She grabbed endorsements from Sen. Dick Durbin, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod.
Duckworth targeted Walsh early in the race when he bailed out of the 8th in September to run against Rep. Randy Hultgren. Duckworth's campaign said good riddance: "His retreat makes it clear what the voters told Joe Walsh -- pack your bags."
When Walsh returned to the 8th, Duckworth said Walsh's "antics won't solve our country's economic crisis."
In a Q&A with Ward Room, she called Walsh a do-nothing politician who opposes legislation for opposition's sake.
Walsh has stayed in headlines throughout the election with comments on various, polarizing issues and via the ongoing child support battle with his ex-wife.
Next up: November's general election.
