Wednesday, July 23, 2008

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The United States Senate race in Minnesota remains a toss-up. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Minnesota voters shows Republican incumbent Norm Coleman attracting 44% of the vote and challenger Al Franken earning 43%. Two weeks ago, it was Franken by two. A month ago, it was Coleman by three.

Franken’s support has stayed between 43% and 45% in five straight polls. Coleman’s support had been in the 46% to 50% range for five straight polls conducted from February through June. However, his support has been lower in a pair of July polls.

When leaners are included in the current poll, it’s Franken with a slight edge, 49% to 46%. Leaners are survey participants who initially don’t support either candidate but express a preference for one candidate during a follow-up question.

Earlier this month, the buzz around this race all focused on former Governor Jesse Ventura who very publicly flirted with the idea of making it a three-man race. Waiting until the very last moment—the night before the filing deadline--Ventura announced on the Larry King Show that he will not enter the campaign.

Coleman was first elected to the Senate six years ago, with just under 50% of the vote. He came in second to Ventura in a three-way race for governor in 1998.

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This survey was conducted in partnership with Fox Television Stations Inc.

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