Dawn Patrol: Romney dominates suburbs; Duckworth vs. Walsh
Suburbs help Romney take state, gain momentum
Mitt Romney’s victory in Illinois restored much-needed momentum to his campaign, giving him not only most of Illinois’ delegates but bragging rights in President Barack Obama’s home state. Romney swept suburban Cook and collar counties. Romney in Schaumburg claimed an early victory roughly an hour after polls closed in a speech that focused on the economy. Full story.
Duckworth wins in 8th, will face Joe Walsh
Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth’s win over former Deputy Treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi sets the stage for what could be the most nationally watched suburban race against Tea Party Congressman Joe Walsh of McHenry. Duckworth initially vowed never to run again after a congressional loss in 2006 to Peter Roskam, but cruised to victory last night with support from suburbs that first backed her six years ago. Full story.
Oberweis picks up GOP nomination in 25th Senate
It’ll be Jim Oberweis vs. Corinne Pierog for the 25th District state senate seat in November. Both won their primaries rather easily Tuesday night, according to unofficial vote totals. With all the precincts counted, according to unofficial results, Pierog had 66 percent of the vote over Steven L. Hunter of Geneva, in the Democratic primary. Oberweis had 49 percent of the vote in the Republican primary. His challengers, Dave Richmond and Richard Slocum, had 30 and 21 percent, respectively. Full story.
Coolidge picks up Democrat nomination in the 6th Congressional District
Leslie Coolidge, an Ivy League accountant, thinks the new math of the 6th Congressional District will add up in her favor. Her relatively easy victory in the Democratic primary Tuesday sets her up for a general election campaign against GOP heavyweight U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam. With 99 percent of the vote in, Coolidge, of Barrington Hills, had 9,610 votes, according to unofficial results. Maureen Yates, of Barrington, and Geoff Petzel, of Lake Zurich, have 5,734 and 2,270 votes, respectively. Roskam, a Wheaton attorney, is GOP Chief Deputy Whip and a tough campaigner with a deep war chest. “He is a formidable opponent. I have every intention of giving him a good, competitive race,” Coolidge said. “This is the end of the beginning.” Full story.
Witness: Teenage boy shot near Bartlett middle school
A teenage boy was shot in the parking lot of a Bartlett middle school last night, according to witnesses. Police have released no information, but a firefighter confirmed the shooting on the grounds of Bartlett Elementary School. A witness said he heard about 7 gunshots just before 7:30 p.m. and walked across the street to find the victim slouched over the curb. Full story.
Teen charged with sexually abusing children at day care center
A 17-year-old Winthrop Harbor teen is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail on charges that he sexually abused three young girls at his mother’s residential day care, police said. Brett A. Degler is accused of sexually assaulting two 11-year-olds and a 4-year-old inside the home where his mother ran the business. Police said the attacks started in November and had been ongoing until Degler was arrested in early March. Full story.
Gun scare locks down Waukegan middle school
A Waukegan middle school was locked down Tuesday morning during a gun scare, according to police. A 23-year-old woman called police during an argument with her boyfriend and reported the man displayed a gun. Rodrick T. Young, 23, was caught after a short chase near Wester Middle School, and police found a loaded weapon at the scene, police said. Full story.
Weather
This has really become crazy. Awesome, but crazy. For the 8th time in the last 9 days, a heat record should be broken as temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-80s. It will be about 62 degrees this morning as you head out the door. NO rain is expected until Thursday evening. Full story.
Traffic
Southbound Route 12 and Case Road near Wauconda has been shut down due to a large accident at about 6:30 a.m., authorities said. Police are not saying how long the road will remain closed, and details from the scene are sketchy so far, but people should find an alternate route around the crash. Construction season is swinging into full gear and people should watch out for long-term road construction on Higgins Road between North Plum Grove Road and Golf Road. Full story.
Blackhawks on fire during playoff push
With last night’s victory, the Blackhawks extended their win streak to four games and improved to 8-1-1 in their last ten games as the team surges heading into the playoffs. The Hawks are just 2 points behind fourth-place Nashville in the Western Conference playoff race with 9 games left. Corey Crawford stopped 24 of 25 shots in the 5-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Full story.