The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Minnesota voters found Republican Norm Coleman regaining a statistically insignificant lead over Democrat Al Franken in the race for the United States Senate. The incumbent Senator leads the comedian 48% to 46%.

A month ago, Franken had a three-point lead over Coleman. Since then, Democratic candidate Mike Ciresi withdrew from the race. Ciresi was just two points behind the incumbent.

Coleman has long been considered one of the more vulnerable incumbent senators up for re-election in 2008. Any incumbent who polls below 50% is considered potentially vulnerable and that is especially true for an incumbent who trails a challenger early in the campaign. Other Republican seats at risk in the 2008 election cycle include New Hampshire, Colorado, and Virginia.

The race in Minnesota is close among unaffiliated voters, with Franken holding a small lead. The comedian does very well among politically moderate voters, leading Coleman 56% to 38%.

Coleman is viewed favorably by 52% and unfavorably by 44%. Franken earns positive ratings from 48% and negative opinions from 45%.

When it comes to the upcoming election, the economy is the most important voting issue for 39% of voters in the North Star state. The War in Iraq is the issue of highest importance for 20%.

In polling for the Presidential Election in Minnesota, John McCain and Hillary Clinton are essentially tied, while McCain narrowly trails Barack Obama. Nationally, McCain leads both Democrats in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

Rasmussen Markets data just prior to the release of this survey suggested that Coleman is expected to lose his bid for re-election (current prices: Republican % Democrat %). Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market.

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