The Illinois 17th congressional seat long held by Democrats is back in their hands. Democrat Cheri Bustos defeated first-term U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-Colona). The race had been one of the most closely watched in Illinois, as Democrats had identified it as an opportunity to pick up a seat in their fight to regain control of the House. Republicans also poured in big money to defend it. The 17th Congressional District covers much of Western Illinois. Much of the region had been historically Democratic and was controlled by Democrats until 2010 when Schilling beat incumbent Democrat Phil Hare. Bustos is a former East Moline city council member and received an early endorsement from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Schilling is a pizzeria owner who won in 2010 with strong Tea Party support.

Cheri Bustos (D) … 130,781(53.3 percent)
Rep. Bobby Schilling (R)… 114,732 (46.7 percent)

Also last night, State Senator Mike Jacobs and State Representatives Patrick Verschoore and Don Moffitt all won re-election.