Robin Kelly took the first step toward possibly becoming the state's next treasurer Tuesday by easily besting Justin Oberman in the Democratic primary.

With 91 percent of the vote counted in unofficial totals statewide, Kelly had 58 percent of the vote to 42 percent for Oberman.

Kelly, a former state lawmaker from Chicago and current chief of staff to outgoing Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, said she was grateful for voters' support.

"I'm glad that the people understood my message," she said. "They also know my history and that I have a good track record of accomplishing different things."

Giannoulias left the post to run for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., who will not run for a full term.

Oberman, a Chicago businessman, said Kelly's victory was "hard-fought" and that his support from voters was "phenomenal."

"I've always put a premium on public service, and I would like to find a way to serve the people of Illinois in some way," he said.

Oberman became a candidate for treasurer after dropping out of the lieutenant governor's race late last year. His father, Marty, is a former Chicago alderman.

During the campaign, Oberman criticized Kelly for the way she and Giannoulias handled the Bright Start college savings program.

Oberman said he would support Kelly in the Nov. 2 general election.

She will face Republican state Sen. Dan Rutherford and Green Party candidate Scott Summers, who were unopposed in the primary.

John Guidroz can be reached at (217) 782-6882 or john.guidroz@sj-r.com.