Illinois Democrats are locked in a dogfight to retain President Barack Obama's troublesome former U.S. Senate seat.
A Chicago Tribune poll released this weekend has first-term Democratic state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias up by two points over five-term Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, 38% to 36%.
Last month, the same poll found the candidates tied at 34%. Democrats enjoy as much as a 10-point margin over Republicans among registered voters in the state.
"Kirk has got to win moderates and independents in order to win as a Republican in Illinois," said Kent Redfield, a professor at the University of Illinois in Springfield. "Giannoulias has to get enthusiasm within his base."
Redfield's comments were featured in a October 4, 2010, article in The Wall Street Journal.
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