The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely Democratic primary voters in Illinois shows favorite sone Senator Barack Obama dominating his opponent with 60% of votes. Senator Hillary Clinton comes in a very distant second with 24%.

The survey was conducted prior to former Senator John Edwards’ official exit from the presidential race. Edwards’ picked up 11% of the Illinois vote in the survey, while 3% would vote for some other candidate and 2% are not sure.

In late December, Obama faired well against republican candidates in general election match-ups as well in his home state. The former senator topped Rudy Giuliani 55% to 31% and Mike Huckabee 54% to 30%. Obama has yet to be matched against the current GOP frontrunners, John McCain and Mitt Romney.

Obama earns votes from equal numbers of men (61%) and women (60%).

Eighty-eight percent (88%) of Illinois Democratic voters give their Senator a somewhat or very favorable rating. Only 11% give Obama an unfavorable rating. Clinton is viewed favorably by 68% and unfavorably by 32%.

Half (51%) of Illinois voters think the economy is the most important issue in the upcoming Presidential election. The War in Iraq comes in at a distant second with 23% who find it to be the most important issue.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of Likely Democratic Primary Voters say it is more important to select a president who can deal with the economy rather than a president who addresses national security.

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