Illinois comptroller race in spotlight with budget fight

The race for comptroller, usually a low-profile contest coinciding with Illinois' gubernatorial campaigns, is in the spotlight during a presidential year with a big money special election offering Democrats an unusual chance to oust Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's hand-picked candidate.

Kirk apologizes for mocking rival's family military history

Illinois Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk apologized Friday for mocking his Democratic rival's immigrant background and her claim that her family's military service dates back to the Revolution -- comments that drew wide criticism and threatened an already difficult re-election campaign.

Kirk, Duckworth spar in first televised Senate debate

Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk and Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth are facing off in their first televised debate Thursday in what's considered a crucial race that could determine which party controls the Senate.

Fearing Election Day trouble, some US schools cancel classes

Rigged elections. Vigilante observers. Angry voters. The claims, threats and passions surrounding the presidential race have led communities around the U.S. to move polling places out of schools or cancel classes on Election Day.