To say the least, it’s been a good week to be State Sen. Brad Burzynski.

A day after the birth of his first grandchild, Burzynski, R-35th District, retained his seat as an Illinois state senator with a landslide victory over Democratic challenger Bruce Washington.

“It’s back to work as normal tomorrow,” Burzynski said Tuesday night before the final results were in.

After tabulating all 81 precincts, the senator won 59,815 votes to Washington’s 30,879 and maintained the position he has held since 1994 when he defeated Loves Park City Clerk Lorraine Chaussee.

“I still haven’t met him [Washington]” Burzynski said. Washington didn’t make his first public appearance until the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival on Sunday, Burzynski said.

The election was the first time Burzynski has been challenged since he took office.

“The most important thing is that we have a person who does what he believes in and stands for his values. Not one who is being bought by lobby money,” said precinct committee member John Westberg. “I believe he [Burzynski] is a man of principle.”

Burzynski was supported by a strong Republican contingent Tuesday night at the Republican headquarters at 2431 Bethany Road in Sycamore. Many of the supporters were focused on the national election, rooting for President George W. Bush.

“The problem is that we have become a God-dishonoring country,” Westberg said. “Since [Roe v. Wade] we’ve been under God’s judgement. I believe President Bush will change that.”

Burzynski said he never expected to lose this election to Washington.

Burzynski will head to Springfield Monday when the fall veto session begins.

200 of 212 precincts DeKalb Co.

Burzynski (R, 59,815 votes) : 66%

Washington (D, 30,879 votes) : 34%