The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey found Al Franken slightly ahead of incumbent Senator Norm Coleman in what is likely to be a closely contested campaign. Franken, a former comedian and political commentator, leads Coleman 49% to 46%. If the Democrats nominate trial attorney Mike Ciresi, the poll shows Coleman attracting 47% of the vote while Ciresi earns 45%.

These results show a significant improvement for Franken since an early November poll found him trailing by seven-points. That same survey found Coleman with a three point lead over Ciresi.

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.

Against Franken, Coleman earns support from 82% of conservative voters while Franken draws support from 88% of liberal voters. Over half (58%) of moderate voters choose Franken, while 37% choose Coleman.

Coleman is viewed favorably by 55% of Minnesota voters and unfavorably by 42%. Fifty-percent (50%) of voters view Franken favorably, while 42% view him unfavorably. Ciresi is viewed favorably by 46% of voters, and unfavorably by 42%.

When it comes to the upcoming election, the economy is the most important voting issue for 38% of voters in the North Star state. The War in Iraq is the issue of highest importance for 23%.

In polling for the Presidential Election in Minnesota, John McCain leads Hillary Clinton, but trails Barack Obama. That same dynamic is found nationally 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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