The Civic Report

Mark Kirk

Alexi Giannoulias

Cheryle Jackson

2010 U.S. Senate Race

Republican Mark Kirk edges out Democrats Alexi Giannoulias and Cheryle Jackson for the lead in the race for Barack Obama’s old Senate seat, a new Rasmussen poll finds.

On the Kirk-Giannoulias match-up, here is the question and the results:

In thinking about the 2010 Election for the United States Senate, suppose you had a choice between Republican Mark Kirk and Democrat Alexi Giannoulias. If the election were held today would you vote for Republican Mark Kirk or Democrat Alexi Giannoulias?

41% Kirk

38% Giannoulias

4% Some other candidate

17% Not sure

Kirk bested Jackson 47 percent to 30 percent, with 6 percent saying some other candidate and 17 percent not sure.

Noteworthy tidbit: In each case, you’ll notice, 17 percent of respondents weren’t sure. Expect that to change as the race proceeds.

Stakes: Kirk is seeking to break the stranglehold Democrats have on statewide offices in Illinois. Many political observers consider him the Republicans’ best shot.

U.S. Senate candidate Cheryle Jackson

Chicago Urban League president Cheryle Jackson wants Barack Obama’s old U.S. Senate seat.

Although politically untested, Jackson has name recognition, especially in Chicago. She will face a field that includes fellow Democrat Alexi Giannoulias and Republican Mark Kirk.

The Associated Press makes special note that Jackson is African American.

Her entry into the race makes her the best-known black candidate to seek the seat that has been held by three of the nation’s four black senators in modern times. The Senate’s only black member – Roland Burris – currently holds it.

Blago baggage: Jackson served as Rod Blagojevich’s spokeswoman in his first term.

Strategy talk: Rival Alexi Giannoulias told Chicago Public Radio Tuesday he wouldn’t attack Jackson for her Blagojevich ties — for now.

Jackson quote: The Chicago Sun-Times, reporting on Jackson’s entry into the race, leads with this quote from her:

“I want to focus on the economy, jobs, I know a little something about that, helping to create jobs, supporting entrepreneurs to create jobs, connecting people to jobs, preparing and training people for jobs,” Jackson said.

What is the Urban League? An organization dedicated to economically empowering African Americans.

Jeremy Rose, president of the Chicago Young Republicans

Jeremy Rose, president of the Chicago Young Republicans and campaign adviser to gubernatorial candidate Matt Murphy, gives his take on Lisa Madigan, Mark Kirk, Kirk Dillard and Alexi Giannoulias.

Rose offers an insider’s look at the jockeying and political calculations being made within the Illinois Republican Party and which office the party thinks it has the best shot at winning.

Hint: It rhymes with U.S. Tennant.

Listen:

Rose 1 Lisa Madigan’s big decision (4:22)

Rose 2 New faces and old faces in the party (3:48)

Rose 3 The governor’s race (4:34)

Rose 4 The importance of fund-raising (3:16)

Rose 5 Republicans and Chicago politics (4:34)

Rose 6 Looking ahead (2:47)