After months of attacks by local Republicans, state Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson (D) has opened a wide lead over concrete magnate Marty Ozinga (R) in the race for Illinois’ 11th Congressional district, according to a Democratic poll released Friday.

In a ballot test conducted Oct. 10-13, Halvorson led Ozinga 48 percent to 29 percent. The survey, which interviewed 400 likely voters, had a 4.9-point margin of error.

The new poll suggests that GOP efforts to tie Halvorson to scandal-plagued Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), a key plank of the Republican strategy in retaining retiring Rep. Jerry Weller’s seat, are falling short.

“Sen. Halvorson’s message of getting our economy back on track, finding a real solution to our health care crisis and working across party lines to help middle class families has resonated with voters across the 11th district,” Halvorson spokesman Brian Doory said in a statement. “Sen. Halvorson is continuing to build a strong grassroots organization and working hard to earn the respect and confidence of the voters.”