In Illinois, the latest Rasmussen Reports poll finds Senator John F. Kerry with 48% of the vote to 43% for President George W. Bush. An earlier survey, conducted immediately after Kerry wrapped up the nomination on Super Tuesday, found the Democrat leading 52% to 39%.

The survey was conducted for the Daily Southtown.

If Ralph Nader is added to the mix, Kerry maintains a five point lead, 46% to 41%

Forty-nine percent (49%) of Illinois voters Approve of the way President Bush is performing his job while 51% disapprove.

Forty-nine percent (49%) also have a favorable opinion of Bush while 50% hold an unfavorable view. For Kerry, those numbers are 50% favorable and 45% unfavorable.

Forty-four percent (44%) believe the Iraqi prisoner abuse reflects isolated events, while 36% believe such incidents are fairly widespread. Also, 58% of Illinois voters believe that Defense Secretary Rumsfeld should not resign. These numbers are similar to the national figures on the topic.