U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk easily coasted to victory in today's Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat once held by Barack Obama. With 33 percent of the precincts reporting, he was clearly ahead of his five opponents, garnering 61 percent of the vote. He was followed by Patrick Hughes, with 18 percent; Donald Lowery, 8 percent; Kathleen Thomas, 6 percent; Andy Martin, 5 percent and John Arrington, 3 percent.