Gov. Quinn wins Illinois Dem primary

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) has won his primary over a little-known opponent — but a sizable chunk of Illinois Democrats cast protest votes against their governor.

{mosads}The Associated Press called the race for Quinn, who was leading activist Tio Hardiman (D) with nearly 80 percent of the vote. 

Quinn has seen his popularity in the state plummet and is one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent governors facing reelection.

Quinn was lucky to avoid a serious Democratic primary challenge. Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley (D) launched a campaign against Quinn before dropping out. Many Illinois Democrats thought Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) might challenge him as well, but she ultimately decided against a bid.

On the GOP side, deep-pocketed businessman Bruce Rauner (R) leads Illinois state Sen. Kirk Dillard (R) by 46 percent-39 percent with just over 20 percent of results in. Rauner has outspent Dillard by a huge margin in the race, but unions opposing Rauner’s campaign have dropped millions in attack ads against him.