Monster Night for Republicans in Illinois

Congressman Mark Kirk will become Senator Mark Kirk -- immediately. Tonight's contest was not only a general election, but a simultaneous special election to replace rent-a-senator Roland Burris. Kirk is already pledging to help block any lame duck nonsense from Democrats. The symbolism of this win is profound. The GOP has won Barack Obama's old Senate seat. Democratic candidate Alexi Giannoulias is also a loathsome character, and it's a great thing that he has been denied a US Senate seat.

On the House side, Republicans picked up seats in IL-11, IL-14, and IL-17. Robert Dold appears to be hanging on in IL-10, which would be a crucial GOP hold. And in the surprise of the night, IL-08 is going down to the wire. Melissa Bean is in real danger of losing to flawed Republican candidate Joe Walsh.

In the Governor's race, incumbent Pat Quinn holds a microscopic lead over Bill Brady.

All in all, it's already a great night for Illinois Republicans, and it could get better.

UPDATE: Dold wins in IL-10. Big, big hold for the GOP.