Biggert takes 13th Dist. primary in landslide

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert overwhelmingly secured her party's nomination Tuesday in the primary.

According to unofficial election results, Biggert, R-Hinsdale, received 44,150 votes, while challenger Sean O'Kane of Hinsdale earned 12,913 votes with 417 of 484 precincts reporting.

"I'm really honored that the voters would give me those numbers," Biggert said by phone from Washington.

Biggert, 70, said she is grateful voters selected her based on qualities, including her "integrity, results and what I've been able to accomplish over some nebulous change for change sake.

"It's not enough to get up in the morning and say 'I want to be a member of Congress,'" Biggert said.

Voters, she said, "asked if a record of accomplishments matter over rhetoric and a number of attacks."

Biggert has represented the 13th Congressional District for almost a decade, taking office in 1999. Before that she served in the Illinois General Assembly.

O'Kane, 41, could not be reached for comment Tuesday. The custom homebuilder's previous political experience includes serving as a GOP precinct committeeman and coordinator for Bill Brady's gubernatorial campaign.

Biggert will compete against Democrat Scott Harper, 47, of Lockport and Green Party candidate Steve Alesch, 52, of Warrenville in the November general election. Both Harper and Alesch ran unopposed in Tuesday's primary.

The 13th Congressional District includes all of Naperville, Lisle, Woodridge, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Lockport, Homer Glen, Lemont, Darien, Westmont and Hinsdale, and portions of Oak Brook, Aurora, Downers Grove, Orland Park and Tinley Park.

Contact Kathy Cichon at kcichon@scn1.com or 630-416-5114.