Republican state Senator Bill Brady leads Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn by eight points in the race for the Illinois governorship, according to a new poll from Rasmussen Reports.

The 46 percent to 38 percent advantage for Brady is the largest in a string of recent polls that have shown the race tightening. A Chicago Tribune/WGN-TV poll released October 1 showed Quinn with a one point advantage, and a Suffolk University poll released October 4 had Quinn ahead by six. Brady led by 13 points, 50 percent to 37 percent, in the last Rasmussen Reports poll, which was conducted on September 12. He leads by two points in the RCP Average.

Both candidates have struggled to enthuse voters in a state burdened by a crushing budget deficit and close to 10 percent unemployment. Brady has blasted Quinn for the state of the economy and the state's finances in his ads while Quinn has criticized Brady on social issues such as gun control. Only 39 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of Quinn, whose job approval rating sits at 37 percent. Voters are split on Brady, with an equal 46 percent holding favorable and unfavorable views.

While he has faced some criticism for not offering sufficient details of his plans for the state, Brady has managed to solidify support among his base and leads among nonaffiliated voters. He earns the support of 91 percent of Republicans while Quinn garners the support of only 61 percent of Democrats. Among nonaffiliated voters, Brady leads 53-30.

The Rasmussen Reports poll was conducted October 4 among 500 likely Illinois voters. It has a margin of error of 4.5 percent.

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