The Quinn campaign has to be feeling good thsi weekend.  Conducted eight weeks before the February 2 primary, a new Tribune poll released shows the governor with high approval ratings among Democratic voters and a sizeable lead over challenger Dan Hynes.  Here are the toplines (full results here):

And here are those favorability numbers, showing 58 percent of Democratic respondents with a positive opinion of Quinn:

The Tribune concludes that "it may not be easy" for Hynes to make up this gap and notes that Blagojevich-related attacks probably won't affect many voters' views on Quinn:

The gap in political contests traditionally closes somewhat as the election nears. But in a very combative Democratic governor primary, the survey results show the pressure is on Hynes to use what's left of the campaign to persuade Quinn supporters to defect. Indications are that it may not be easy.

Hynes could try to link Quinn to Blagojevich. Quinn served two terms as Blagojevich's lieutenant governor and has refused to apologize for backing Blagojevich. During the 2006 re-election campaign, Quinn defended Blagojevich as someone who has "always been a person who's honest and one of integrity," despite myriad investigations into his administration.

In other news, AFSCME Council 31 held its endorsement session yesterday and declined to support a candidate in the gubernatorial primary.  Also, the governor's campaign released another "Quinn Stories" video.  Watch it:

Full Disclosure: The SEIU Illinois State Council, which sponsors this website, has endorsed Pat Quinn in the Democratic primary for governor.