Robin Kelly Wins Democratic Race For Ex-Rep Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Chicago-Area Seat

Robin Kelly Wins Democratic Primary For House Seat
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2012 file photo, Illinois Democratic U.S. Congressional hopeful Robin Kelly speaks during a candidate presentation at the 2nd Congressional District Slating Meeting in South Holland, Ill. Candidates for former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s 2nd congressional seat made their final push for votes Monday Feb. 25, 2013, ahead of tomorrow's high-stakes primary. Turnout is expected to be paltry despite the lurid headlines surrounding the disgraced Chicago Democrat and millions in outside super PAC money driven largely by the guns debate. (AP Photo/John Smierciak, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2012 file photo, Illinois Democratic U.S. Congressional hopeful Robin Kelly speaks during a candidate presentation at the 2nd Congressional District Slating Meeting in South Holland, Ill. Candidates for former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s 2nd congressional seat made their final push for votes Monday Feb. 25, 2013, ahead of tomorrow's high-stakes primary. Turnout is expected to be paltry despite the lurid headlines surrounding the disgraced Chicago Democrat and millions in outside super PAC money driven largely by the guns debate. (AP Photo/John Smierciak, File)

CHICAGO, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Former Illinois state Representative Robin Kelly, a supporter of tighter gun control laws, won the Democratic primary for the U.S. House seat vacated by indicted former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago's WGN television projected on Tuesday.

The outcome was a victory for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who poured more than $2 million from his political war chest into the race to advocate for tighter gun controls in the wake of the Connecticut school shooting last December.

Jackson resigned from the seat last November citing health concerns. He pleaded guilty last week in federal court to using campaign funds for personal enrichment.

Kelly, 56, is expected to win the seat against a Republican opponent in the April 9 general election because the Chicago area district is heavily Democratic. (Reporting By Renita Young; Editing by Greg McCune)

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