Beale: Super PAC money changed primary contest

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale has conceded the Democratic primary to replace ex-Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., saying the millions in super-PAC money poured into the race for winner Robin Kelly made all the difference.

Beale called Kelly, a former state legislator, to concede the race on Tuesday evening.

Beale tells the Associated Press he ran a tough campaign and focused on the issues, including job creation and economics in the district. Guns and ethics were among the top issues in the race.

New York City Michael Bloomberg's PAC, Independence USA, poured in $2 million into the race for ads in favor of Kelly and against Halvorson, who opposes an assault weapons ban.

Beale says the PAC money bought the race.