An IGPA analysis of delegate strength for the presidential candidates indicates major slippage for Republican Rudy Giuliani and gains for Democrat Barack Obama.

An analysis of public opinion poll data just ahead of the Iowa caucuses indicates some delegate slippage for Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Mike Huckabee.

An analysis of poll data indicates that Hillary Clinton and Rudolph Giuliani would have substantial leads in convention delegates for their respective parties if the party caucuses and primary elections were held today. The analysis, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs, uses poll data and formulas designed to approximate the complicated rules by which delegates are assigned to candidates after primary voting. Poll results for all states voting on or before Feb.

The Illinois economy has slipped in recent months but remains in strong positive territory, allaying fears of a possible recession, according to the latest University of Illinois Flash Index.

The Flash Index, which is the earliest barometer of the Illinois economy each month, declined slightly in November, to 103.9 from 104.1 in October. November marked the fifth straight month of decline for the Flash Index, and it has fallen in seven of the eight months since reaching its highest post-2001-recession reading of 107.4 in April.