In Minnesota, Barack Obama has opened an eight-point lead over John McCain.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Minnesota voters finds Obama attracting 52% of the vote while McCain earns 44% (Demographic Crosstabs available for Premium Members.)

Last month, Obama’s lead was down to four percentage points. Two months ago, the Democrat had a twelve point advantage.

Obama is now supported by 95% of Democrats, up from 89% in August. The Democrat also holds a modest lead among unaffiliated voters after splitting that vote with McCain last month. McCain gets the vote from 93% of Republicans, up two points from a month ago and fourteen points since July.

Obama is now viewed favorably by 64% of Minnesota voters, McCain by 52%. That’s quite a change from August when McCain drew the higher ratings. In August, many in Minnesota thought their Governor was a likely Vice Presidential running mate for McCain.

As for the running mates, Delaware Senator Joe Biden is viewed favorably by 55% and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin earns such positive reviews from 47%.

Forty-six percent (46%) say that McCain made the right choice when selecting Palin to be his running mate. Forty-four percent (44%) say the same about Obama’s choice of Biden.

Eighty-three percent (83%) of voters believe Palin is politically conservative while 50% believe Biden is politically liberal.

Minnesota has gone for the Democratic presidential candidates in the last eight elections. John Kerry won the state 51% to 48% over President Bush in 2004.

The Senate race in Minnesota between incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken remains a toss-up.

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll continues to show a very competitive race.

This Minnesota survey was conducted on Thursday night, September 18, in the midst of the Wall Street roller-coaster week. Several state polls conducted that evening showed very positive results for Barack Obama and it was one of his best recent nights in the daily Presidential Tracking Poll. It remains to be seen whether this solid performance was a temporary blip in the race or the beginning of a new trend leading to a significant advantage for Obama.

President Bush’s job performance ratings have fallen this month in Minnesota. Now, just 27% rate his performance good or excellent, compared to 33% a month ago. Fifty-four percent (54%) say he is doing a poor job.

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

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.