Poll: Giannoulias Democratic Front Runner for Seat

Chicago - The race for President Barack Obama's former senate seat is heating up.

A new poll shows a likely showdown between Republican Mark Kirk and Democrat Alexi Giannoulias.

But other Democrats are hoping to throw a wrench into that.

The four Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate are headed to a forum this morning at the Union League Club.

The Union League Club will hold a forum for the Republican Senate candidates in late January.

A new Chicago Tribune poll shows Giannoulias well ahead of his challengers.

In the democratic race for that senate seat, Giannoulias has the support of 31 percent of the Democratic voters polled.

Cheryl Jackson is next with 17 percent, followed by David Hoffman at 9 percent.

A combination of other candidates earned 8 percent of the poll, but 35 percent of voters are still undecided.