Sandack claims narrow victory in 81st House

In the 81st District, state Rep. Ron Sandack says he narrowly survived a challenge from fellow Downers Grove Republican Keith Matune for his party's nomination for the seat in Tuesday's primary election.

With all precincts reporting, Sandack claimed 6,744 votes while Matune got 6,590, according to unofficial election results.

With the margin so close, Matune could call for a recount.

The vote means Sandack, who has represented the 81st District since January 2012, received the Republican nomination and will advance to the Nov. 4 general election. He could face a Democratic opponent, but no one has yet filed to run for the position.

Sandack said he knew the race would be hard-fought, and he anticipates his opponent will seek a recount.

"I anticipated it would be a tough battle and it was," Sandack said.

Sandack's win comes after a contentious campaign in which he and Matune traded accusations about Matune's arrest record as a college student and Sandack's voting record in Springfield.