Tribune endorses Duckworth for US Senate, Sun-Times for Zopp

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Chicago Tribune has endorsed U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth in the Democratic primary for U.S. senator from Illinois.

The Tribune editorial board announced Friday that it preferred the two-term congresswoman and wounded war hero over her two Democratic opponents to take on Republican Sen. Mark Kirk in November.

Last week, the Chicago Sun-Times gave its nod to Duckworth opponent Andrea Zopp, a former federal prosecutor.

The Tribune says Duckworth speaks with credibility on military issues. Duckworth was a Black Hawk helicopter pilot who lost both her legs in Iraq in 2004 and later worked in veterans' affairs posts.

The Sun-Times likes Zopp's three top legislative priorities - criminal justice reform, building the middle class and immigration reform.

State Sen. Napolean Harris is the third Democrat in the March 15 primary.