CHRISTOPHER WILLS, Associated Press
CHICAGO – Mitt Romney’s perceived electability carried him to a major Illinois victory over Rick Santorum Tuesday in the Republican race for the White House, though turnout was light despite the rarity of the state actually playing a major role in a presidential primary.
In most years, presidential nominations are settled long before the Illinois primary, but Santorum’s recent string of victories elsewhere made the home state of President Barack Obama relevant in the GOP contest.
The lack of statewide races beyond the presidential contest likely played a role in holding down turnout. It was the first Illinois primary since 2000 that didn’t include a race for U.S. Senate or governor.
All but the most conservative Republicans backed Romney over Santorum, exit polling found.