McCain has the support of 85% of Illinois Republicans, while 89% of the state�s Democrats are backing Obama. The Democrat has a sizable 51% to 34% lead among unaffiliated voters. Obama�s 55% to 36% lead among women voters is virtually identical to last month�s findings, but he has jumped out to a 10-percentage point lead among men voters 51% to 41%. Last month McCain trailed by only three points.
The Republican is viewed favorably by 52%, down from 60% a month earlier. Obama, who also was at 60% in July, is now regarded favorably by 64% of Illinois voters. Men: Obama 47, McCain 36. Women: Obama 58, McCain 28. As in many states, Obama has a strong lead among women in Illinois, but not among men. He leads 55% to 35% among women, but just 43% to 40% among male voters.
The two candidates are essentially tied among voters not affiliated with either major political party.
While 31% of Illinois voters believe McCain is too old to be president, 38% think Obama is too inexperienced for the job. National results for these questions and other key stats for Election 2008 are updated continuously at Obama-McCain By the Numbers.
Both candidates are viewed favorably by 60% of Illinois voters.
Not surprisingly, a plurality of voters in Illinois (49%) sees the economy as the most important issue of Election 2008. National security comes in a distant second, with 20% who find that to be the most important issue. These are similar to the national average. Voters who cite the economy as the top issue are more likely to choose Obama. Those who think national security is more important more often back McCain.
Most (56%) Illinois voters see getting the troops home from Iraq as more important than winning the war while 35% disagree and think winning the war is more important.
