CHICAGO (Reuters) – An Illinois Democrat who won his party's nomination on Tuesday to campaign for Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat struck a populist tone, attacking his Republican opponent as part of the Washington establishment.

Democratic state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias said the voter discontent that helped Republicans to a surprise victory in last month's Senate race in Massachusetts would work against Representative Mark Kirk, who easily won the Republican primary.
“There is voter anger at Washington, D.C., and Washington, D.C., is ignoring everyday working-class families. Congressman Mark Kirk for the last 10 years has been steeped in D.C. politics and will have to answer for that,” Giannoulias said.
Banking scion Giannoulias, 33, beat back two main challengers to earn a shot at replacing Senator Roland Burris, who did not run. Burris was appointed to Obama's former seat by former Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was removed from office a year ago and faces trial on corruption charges in June.