The race for President Obama's former Senate seat remains a tossup. According to a new Rasmussen survey (500 LVs, 12/9, MoE +/- 4.5%), Illinois state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) has taken a slight lead over Rep. Mark Kirk (R), but the Republican holds on to his advantage against other potential Democratic foes.

General Election Matchups
Giannoulias 42 (+1 vs. last poll, 10/14)
Kirk 39 (-2)
Und 15 (-2)

Kirk 42 (-1)
Jackson 39 (unch)
Und 15 (+2)

Kirk 42 (-1)
Hoffman 38 (+5)
Und 17 (+1)

The primary, the first in the nation in the 2010 cycle, is just 53 days away.

Favorable Ratings
Kirk 50 / 32
Giannoulias 48 / 36
Jackson 38 / 34
Hoffman 40 / 27

Obama remains popular in his adopted home state, with 58 percent approving of his job performance and 43 percent disapproving. Gov. Pat Quinn (D) also has a solid 51 percent job approval rating. Fifty percent support the Democratic health care plan, while 46 percent oppose.