According to Polstate, a new poll released by the Chicago Tribune today has these numbers:
A Chicago Tribune poll published today shows that Keyes has about 17% support -- down 7 points from a similar poll last month. Democrat Barack Obama came in at 68%, with 11% undecided and 3% voting for another candidate (i.e. Libertarian Jerry Kohn, independent Al Franzen). The poll was conducted among 700 likely voters Sept. 17-20.
According to a poll of just Republicans, Keyes only got 44% support from his party, while Obama is winning support from 35% of GOP voters. 39% of GOP voters had a favorable view of Obama, while 31% had a favorable view of Keyes.
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Don't just coast on these numbers. Obama will win, no doubt of that, but he should win in a landslide, with as high of turnout as possible. He shouldn't have to hear the media jeering that Keyes did better than expected or that he has been "humbled" on the way to Washington. Get people to vote in November regardless of how big a win they think Obama is heading for. Keyes may still drive up fundie turnout and that could help Republicans in state legislative or Congressional races. And don't forget to give time or money to the 3 major House candidates in Illinois. There may never be a better chance for Democrats to take these seats. The media seems to be more and more aware of Tari Renner (running against Jerry "oops my bride-to-be's daddy is a mass murderer, no biggie" Weller) and Melissa Bean, who continues to be underfunded and now has to face a TV blitz with Phil Crane claiming he's done so much to help his district. She seems to stand the best chance of any IL Dem to overtake a House incumbent. And don't forget about Christine Cegelis, running against odious Henry Hyde against all odds, and finally receiving some well-deserved recognition from national outlets. It's still not too late for one or all 3 of these brave voices to cause a November upset in a shifting state like Illinois. We don't know how different the winds will be in 2006. This could be the best, or the last, chance.