Hoffman Poll Shows Giannoulias Vulnerable: A survey commissioned by former Chicago inspecter general David Hoffman's (D) Senate campaign shows presumed frontrunner and state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) as decidedly weak.

David Hoffman, the muckraking former Chicago Inspector General, is arguing that he has a path to victory in the Illinois Senate race for President Obama’s old seat. Hoffman’s campaign released internal polling suggesting the Democratic primary a wide-open race, even though state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has received the majority of Democratic endorsements and is the leading fundraiser in the race.

Illinois’ Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate want to overturn the nation’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays serving in the military, but they’re divided on the urgency of making the change.

Alexi Giannoulias said last week that he doesn’t argue with the Obama administration’s decision to delay action. Three other candidates, however, said they think the policy should be dropped immediately.

Democratic Senate candidate David Hoffman reported Monday that he has raised $905,137 in the month since announcing his candidacy for the seat currently held by Roland Burris.

The underdog U.S. Senate candidacy of David Hoffman got a boost Tuesday from former White House Counsel Abner Mikva.

The former federal appellate judge said Hoffman’s reformer credentials make him the most electable Democrat against Republican front-runner Mark Kirk in the general election.