The Latest Breaking News from Alexi Giannoulias

A heated primary that forced Illinois’ top Democrats to pick sides ended with Giannoulias winning handily — his first since mostly bowing out of the public eye after a failed U.S. Senate bid in 2010.

The looming void left by retiring Secretary of State Jesse White has drawn an ambitious field of hopefuls — all targeting the ethical missteps or perceived failings of their rivals.

Quigley’s endorsement is the ninth Giannoulias has received from a current or former Democratic member of the U.S House or Senate.

Monday marked an Illinois State Board of Elections deadline to file a required quarterly report of contributions and expenditures, but a number of primary candidates had not yet filed their reports late Monday.

While rival candidate Alexi Giannoulias still holds a strong financial advantage over the field in terms of his campaign fund, that could change as the deep-pocketed governor hailed Anna Valencia’s "proven record of success" and declared she "represents the bright future of the Democratic party."

La competencia de las primarias ha obligado a los principales demócratas de Illinois a elegir un lado.

The primary race has forced Illinois’ top Democrats to pick sides, but no other endorsement carries more weight than White’s, thanks to his sheer vote-getting prowess.