Rasmussen reports today HERE that Americans trust Republicans more than Democrats on eight of ten essential issues facing the nation. 

Republicans in the Illinois House and Senate should pay particular attention to today's stats about taxes.  Right now, Americans trust the GOP more than Democrats on the issue of taxes by a 6-point lead.  Illinois Republicans should take note that if any Republican breaks loose from the thus-far- firm opposition to a state income tax hike next week when the ILGA returns to Springfield, those Republicans could ruin the GOP's re-emerging trustworthiness with one vote to raise income taxes.

The other national issues Republicans outrank Democrats on the economy, national security, War in Iraq, immigration, abortion, government ethics and Social Security.  Democrats are trusted more slightly on health care and education.