Illinois Republicans nominate Oberweis for Senate

Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — State senator and dairy magnate Jim Oberweis says he's ready for a tough race against powerful Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

Oberweis defeated Downers Grove businessman Doug Truax in the Republican primary race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, and says he's "looking forward to the battle continuing" against Durbin.

He says if he wins, he believes Republicans can retake control of the U.S. Senate and says "that will change the direction of this country."

Oberweis is from the western Chicago suburb of Sugar Grove and his family owns a chain of ice cream shops. He was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012 and had made previous unsuccessful runs for U.S. Senate and governor.

Truax has never held political office but had support from former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich.