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Big Change in IL Senate

April 8, 2010    Content provided by DDC Advocacy

Public Policy Polling is reporting the results of their new Illinois poll (4/1-5; 591 IL registered voters) that depicts a drastic change in the US Senate race. GOP Rep. Mark Kirk has overtaken Democratic state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias to claim a 37-33% lead after trailing in the January PPP poll 34-42%. The turnabout is mostly due to many Democratic voters leaving their nominee for the "undecided" category. Only 54% of self-identified Democratic voters purport back Giannoulias, while 36% are undecided, and 16% express support for Kirk. Questions surrounding the Giannoulias' family bank and their relationship with impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich appear to be the reason that many Democrats are beginning to shy away from their nominee. Kirk, on the other hand, tallies 77% support among his fellow Republicans. Within the Independent cell, Kirk leads 33-30%. Favorability ratings aren't too good for either candidate. While Giannoulias is upside down with a 21:28% favorable to unfavorable ratio, Kirk only scores 24:23%. President Obama's job approval in his home state is 50:42%, while support for the recently passed healthcare bill is only 46:43%. The Senate race continues to draw a toss-up rating, but in a state that should be rock solid for the Democrats it is clear that Republicans are positioning themselves for a potential victory.