Rostenkowski wins in Illinois

DOGGED by a federal investigation and hampered by reapportionment, Rep. Dan Rostenkowski (D) of Illinois still emerged victorious from the toughest reelection battle of his career.

It also was a victory for President Clinton, who campaigned for Rostenkowski and is counting on the influential chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee to rally support for health care reform.

Rostenkowski returned the salute Tuesday night as he claimed a surprisingly comfortable victory over four Democratic primary challengers. ``There was a point, a pivotal moment in the campaign, when a very, very gutsy and honorable and courageous man named Bill Clinton came to town,'' Rostenkowski told cheering supporters.