WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Defying opinion polls that depicted a neck-and-neck contest, Democrat Bill Foster easily defeats Republican U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert in the 11th Congressional District. With nearly all precincts reporting, Foster has almost 58 percent of the vote; Biggert has 42 percent.

After a firestorm of negative TV ads in a tight race for Congress, Republican U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert and Democrat Bill Foster try to get supporters to the polls using bells and whistles.

Candidates Biggert and Foster are both trying to avoid a brewing controversy over a proposed immigrant detention center.

Updated at 2:46 a.m. on Oct. 17 Campaign finance reports from the third quarter (July – September) were due this weekend to federal election officials.

It was a huge election night for Republicans across the country. And in Illinois, it was a rebirth of sorts for a state GOP that practically fell into a shallow grave eight years ago.Republicans in this state scored big wins in federal contests - especially - and made gains in state government.