Reformer Wins Rahm Primary

An Illinois official who ran on a message of reform won yesterday's Democratic primary to fill Rahm Emanuel's vacant seat in Congress, reports the Chicago Tribune. Mike Quigley, commissioner of Cook County, took 22% of the vote in a crowded field despite lacking both campaign cash and union support. "I'm in shock," Quigley said at his acceptance speech.

"After all the recent embarrassments, this was first chance that the voters had to voice their desire for change and they spoke loud and clear," Quigley said. Low turnout may have helped Quigley defeat his closest rival, a state representative with backing from labor and ward bosses. He is almost certain to defeat Republican and Green challengers in the April 7 special election. (More Rahm Emanuel stories.)