State Sen. Bill Brady has officially captured the Republican nomination for Illinois governor after a month of uncertainty.
His victory by just 193 votes out of more than 767,000 cast persuaded the second-place finisher to concede and sets up a stark contrast for voters between Brady and Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.
They differ on social issues, economic policy and plans for closing the state's record $13 billion deficit.
Quinn, who became governor when Rod Blagojevich was ousted, will likely emphasize Brady's conservative social views in trying to portray him as out of step with most Illinois voters.
Brady is likely to focus on Illinois' high unemployment, Quinn's willingness to raise taxes and a controversial program that released prisoners early.
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