Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has lost ground against both of the major DFL candidates seeking his job. The DFL is Minnesota's equivalent of the Democratic Party.

Pawlenty currently trails Attorney General Mike Hatch by five percentage points--45% to 40%. Last month, Pawlenty led Hatch 47% to 44%. Pawlenty is also now neck-and-neck with State Senator Steve Kelley, 42% to 42%. In our January poll, Pawlenty led Kelly 46% to 37%. See crosstabs.

Democrats also gained ground in the Minnesota Senate race this month.

Kelly and Hatch each do better with unaffiliated and moderate voters than Pawlenty does. And Hatch does much better, drawing support from 44% of unaffiliated voters versus Pawlenty's 28%. Hatch also has support from 55% of moderates versus the governor's 27%.

Governor Pawlenty is viewed favorably by 57% of voters, the same number in our January poll. Hatch is viewed favorably by 60%, a small improvement, and is viewed unfavorably by 31%. Kelly is viewed favorably by 47% and unfavorably by 26%, with 27% not sure what to think of him.

Forty-nine percent (49%) of Minnesota's likely voters approve of the job the governor is doing, and 49% disapprove.

Forty-two percent (42%) approve of President Bush's job performance, and 57% disapprove. This survey was conducted before the Dubai Ports World story erupted. Since that time, the President's national Job Approval ratings have fallen six points.

Other candidates for governor include real estate developer Kelly Doran (DFL), State Senator Becky Lourey (DFL), public consultant Peter Hutchinson (Independence Party), and restaurant owner Sue Jeffers (Libertarian Party).

The Rasmussen Reports election poll was conducted February 20, several days after Governor Pawlenty announced that February 12-18 is now officially "Marriage Week" in the State of Minnesota.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members