Illinois voters head to polls in primary for Schock’s seat

In this June 24, 2015 photo, Republican candidates in a primary to fill Illinois’ 18th District seat from left, Michael Flynn, Donald Rients and Illinois state Sen. Darin LaHood prepare for a debate in Bloomington, Ill. They are running for the seat vacated in March by former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock who resigned after mounting scrutiny of his extravagant spending. Two Democrats are also on Tuesday's ballot. (David Proeber/The Pantagraph via AP) In this June 24, 2015 photo, Republican candidates in a primary to fill Illinois’ 18th District seat from left, Michael Flynn, Donald Rients and Illinois state Sen. Darin LaHood prepare for a debate in Bloomington, Ill. They are running for the seat vacated in March by former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock who resigned after mounting scrutiny of his extravagant spending. Two Democrats are also on Tuesday's ballot. (David Proeber/The Pantagraph via AP)

By Associated Press July 7, 2015 1 min read

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Turnout is low throughout central Illinois for a special primary election to help determine ex-U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock’s replacement.

County clerks estimated turnout Tuesday afternoon was as low as 2 percent in some regions and nearly 10 percent in others.

The election in GOP-heavy territory features a classic Republican primary with party-backed candidate state Sen. Darin LaHood facing conservative writer Michael Flynn, who’s received tea party support.

LaHood is the son of former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. Flynn helped start a website with late commentator Andrew Breitbart. One other Republican and two Democrats are running.

Mike Yurgec (YOOR’-ghiss) of Sherman says electing LaHood would be “continuing a family dynasty” and voted for Flynn. In Springfield, Sherwin Swartz voted for LaHood because he wants someone in office who can compromise.