Illinois Democrats sent a message Tuesday night about guns and the power of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as they nominated Robin Kelly in a special election primary for Congress.
Kelly, a former state representative, supports an assault weapons ban. She is now heavily favored in the race to replace Democrat Jesse Jackson Jr. in the Chicago-based district.
Jackson, who resigned shortly after the 2012 election, pleaded guilty in federal court last week to misusing $750,000 in campaign funds and awaits sentencing.
Bloomberg, an independent and strong gun-control advocate, spent more than $2.1 million in campaign ads to benefit Kelly. The spending came through his Independence USA super PAC, which began targeting pro-gun lawmakers in the 2012 elections.