Tammy Duckworth Celebrates Victory in Senate Race

Representative Tammy Duckworth was surrounded by supporters on election night as she celebrated her victory over incumbent Senator Mark Kirk on Tuesday night

Approximately 300 Duckworth supporters, many wearing ‘I’m with Tammy’ buttons, packed into a ballroom in the J.W. Marriott in downtown Chicago.

“Tammy likes to represent the under-represented and by that she’s representing all of us, not just particular populations,” Lara Cummings, a 47-year-old school administrator from Mount Prospect, said.

“She’s one of the few politicians who work for the people, especially middle-class people,” 60-year-old Philip Hopkins, a material handler for the Department of Veteran Affairs from Romeoville, said. “I believe she can bring unity to the county, I really believe that.”

News broadcasts were projected above the festive gathering. The crowd cheered once when CNN projected that Duckworth would win, and again when Senator Kirk conceded.

Senator Dick Durbin introduced Duckworth, who walked up a ramp to the stage on two prosthetic legs with the help of her husband. Duckworth lost both legs when she was wounded as an Army helicopter pilot in Iraq.

“Tonight we showed a campaign that respects the voters and is focused on practical solutions rather than shopworn slogans can actually be successful,” Duck worth said. “Thank you, Illinois, for this unbelievable honor and for putting your faith in me. It will not be misplaced.”

Duckworth was swamped by supporters after her speech as she slowly worked her way out of the room

Photo by Patrick Martin