As a new Tribune/WGN poll proves, the GOP is about to lose Illinois -- one of the nation's largest and most centrist states. And when I write "lose", I don't mean a particular race. It appears the GOP has so alienated Illinois voters that the once-reliable swing state may be a solid Dem for the foreseable future.

GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan trails his Democratic adversary, Rod Blagojevich, by 17 points. Freshman Senator Dick Durbin is cruising to an easy reelection victory. Other polls have suggested the Dems will sweep every statewide office on the ballot.

Bush's approval ratings are down to 59 percent in the state, while a majority disapprove of his handling of the economy. Bush lost big in Illinois in 2000, and there's no indication he will be able to turn things around for 2004.