Favorite son Barack Obama dominates Republican challengers in the state of Illinois. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Illinois voters finds Obama leading both Rudy Giuliani (56% to 34%) and Fred Thompson (57% to 32%) by more than twenty points. Those figures have changed little since August.

However, in what may be a sign of rallying around the local candidate, Hillary Clinton’s lead over top Republicans has declined over the past couple of months. In Illinois, Clinton now leads Giuliani by three (45% to 42%) and Thompson (47% to 40%) by seven.

Obama is viewed favorably by 66% of Illinois voters, Clinton by 53%. Just 31% have an unfavorable view of Obama, compared to 45% who offer a negative assessment of Clinton. Clinton is the Democratic frontrunner. Obama is running second in the national polls and is seen by Democrats as more liberal than Clinton.

On the Republican side, Giuliani is viewed favorably by 51%, Thompson by 48%.

Governor Rod Blagojevich continues to attract low ratings—just 24% say he is doing a good or an excellent job while 46% say he is doing a poor job. Thirty-seven percent (37%) offer a more neutral assessment and give him a “fair” grade.

Thirty-one percent (31%) say President Bush is doing a good or excellent job while 52% of Illinois voters say poor.

The poll was conducted in partnership with Fox Television Stations, Inc.

Nationally, Hillary Clinton currently leads all Republican Presidential hopefuls in general election match-ups. She also holds a dominant lead in national polling for the Democratic Presidential nomination, is seen as the most electable Democrat, and is ahead in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida.

There is no clear Republican frontrunner. Giuliani leads the national polls, Thompson is seen as the most conservative candidate, and Romney leads in Iowa.

Rasmussen Reports released Election 2008 state polls today for Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina.

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