The Latest: Polls opening across Illinois for primary vote

CHICAGO (AP) — The Latest on primary elections in Illinois (all times local):

6:15 a.m.

Polls are opening across Illinois in a primary that is being widely watched because of the money being spent in the governor's race.

Among the leading Democrats in Tuesday's primary is billionaire J.B. Pritzker, who has put almost $70 million into his campaign fund already. Democrat Chris Kennedy has about $2 million in his. State Sen. Daniel Biss is campaigning as the "middle-class candidate."

The Democrats are looking to unseat wealthy Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in November. He is being challenged by conservative state Rep. Jeanne Ives.

Illinois State Board of Elections data show the number of voters casting early ballots for the Illinois primary has far exceeded the number who voted early four years ago.

Voters are also choosing nominees for the U.S. House, attorney general and other races.

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11:20 p.m.

Illinois voters are choosing nominees in what's shaping up to be the most expensive election for governor in U.S. history.

Two inordinately wealthy front-runners — Republican millionaire Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic billionaire businessman J.B. Pritzker — are trying to survive tough primaries. A self-described "middle class candidate," a member of a famous political family and an insurgent state legislator also are on the primary ballot.

Pritzker has already poured nearly $70 million of his own money into the race. Chasing him are businessman Chris Kennedy — son of the late Sen. Robert Kennedy — and state Sen. Daniel Biss, who touts his middle-class status.

Rauner has spent more than $50 million from his own funds. He has his own GOP challenge from state Rep. Jeanne Ives.