Illinois voters pick a new generation of Democrats after near-record retirements

CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois voters decided primaries Tuesday for six open U.S. House and Senate seats that will spur a new generation of leadership in the state’s heavily Democratic congressional delegation.

The retirement of longtime Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat, triggered a competitive campaign, drawing as candidates two sitting House members and the lieutenant governor, among others. Sharp elbows and furious fundraising marked the race, which also was a test of the influence of Democratic Gov.