Duckworth reflects on Election Day, pending motherhood

Fresh off her re-election victory Tuesday night, 8th District U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates visited her favorite hometown restaurant Wednesday to cap off a personal election tradition and talk with constituents.

Duckworth said she and her expected baby daughter not only crave the food at Apple Villa, but visiting the eatery at the beginning and end of election campaigns has become something of a lucky charm for her.

Becoming parents in a few weeks is the next big project for her and her husband, Bryan Bowlsbey, Duckworth said.

She credited her victory over Republican challenger Larry Kaifesh on voters from the 8th District wanting a moderate candidate, and stressed that she faced several difficult votes in the past two years in which she demonstrated her independence from the Democratic Party.

Duckworth also commented on the contentious Illinois governor race. Though she strongly supported Gov. Pat Quinn, she said she hopes Governor-elect Bruce Rauner would prove a capable and willing partner in efforts to rebuild the economy of Illinois.