The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll in Illinois shows incumbent Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) leading State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka (R) 48% to 36% (see crosstabs). This represents Blagojevich’s biggest lead of the campaign, and the closest the incumbent has come to reaching the 50% level of voter support.

A month ago, the Governor led 45% to 37%.

Blagojevich has recently spent heavily on a television ad blitz that Topinka has yet to counter. The Republican challenger has been kept busy fighting off attempts to link her to former GOP Governor, George Ryan, who was convicted last week on corruption charges. Ryan faces 6 ½ years in prison and Topinka served as state treasurer during his administration.

Scandals aside, it would be tough to pick a winner if the candidates were to square off in a likeability contest—28% of respondents say they have a “very unfavorable” opinion of the governor and 25% say the same of his challenger. Overall, 49% have an unfavorable opinion of Blagojevich and 54% have an unfavorable opinion of Topinka.

Despite the negative sentiment about him, thoughts on the Governor’s job performance are mixed. Forty-eight percent (48%) of those surveyed approve of Blagojevich’s job performance and 50% disapprove.

A plurality of voters see both candidates as politically moderate. Forty-two percent (42%) see Blagojevich as moderate while 40% say he’s liberal. Topinka is seen as moderate by 39%; and conservative by 35%.

When asked who they trust more on matters relating to national security and Iraq, a slim plurality (47%) say the Democrats in Congress versus 44% who trust President Bush. The gap widens when it comes to the economy; 49% trust Congressional Democrats and 39% trust President Bush.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.