Birkett takes big lead over GOP rivals

A new poll shows Joe Birkett far outpacing two other GOP candidates for governor in 2010.

The poll results:

Joe Birkett-39.3 percent
Bill Brady-8.5 percent
Doug Whitley-5.6 percent

Released today, the poll was conducted Feb. 20-23 by John Zogby, President and CEO of Zogby International, for the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois.

“I believe this poll is evidence that the Republican Party is yearning for a proven leader–a career prosecutor–to put Illinois back on the right track,” Birkett said.