Rasmussen is out with new numbers in the Minnesota Senate race, the first numbers since Franken won the DFL nominating convention.
Rasmussen: (6/11, likely voters, 5/22 in parens)
Norm Coleman (R-inc.): 48 (47)
Al Franken (D): 45 (45)
(MoE: ±4.5%)
Almost no movement since the last one, despite Franken getting the DFL nod and the kerfuffle over his Playboy article. Things get a little dicier for Franken if Jesse Ventura enters the mix (although his entry into the race is pure speculation at this point, and, IMHO, not going to happen):
Jesse Ventura (I): 24
Norm Coleman (R-inc.): 39
Al Franken (D): 32
On the other hand, 60% of likely voters do not want Ventura to run; only 27% want him to. Ventura has till the filing deadline of July 15 to jump in.
Swing State Project rates MN-Sen as Lean R.
As a bonus, Rasmussen polled the Michigan Senate race. Carl Levin, the 30-year incumbent Dem, is up against State Representative Jack Hoogendyk of Kalamazoo. Frankly, there’s nothing to see here.
Rasmussen (6/11, likely voters, 5/7 in parens)
Carl Levin (D-inc.): 55 (54)
Jack Hoogendyk (R): 35 (37)
(MoE: ±4%)
Im shocked to see Hoogendyk even at 35%
How many people were saying Franken was doomed after the Playboy scandal broke?
and gop blowhard vin weber. but both of them had their fingers crossed:)
whenever we have these discussions of whether a well-funded, well-known but flawed democrat can challenge a gop senator or whether hillary clinton backers can support obama, i’m back to wondering if people will really ignore the economy and the war and decide based on an article in playboy from 8 years ago or on bitter feelings because they always wanted a woman for president.
this poll, and the others i’m seeing on the presidential race suggest NO, THEY WON’T. Hooray.
I still believe, when all is said and done, Al Franken should beat Coleman. The state dynamics, Coleman’s record, and the fact that this is a presidential year will make it hard for Coleman to survive. That is, unless Ventura or someone else gums up the works.
I am surprised more people do not rank this seat higher on pick-up opportunities for these reasons. Franken is just going to make this race closer than it should be. Thankfully the GOP dropped the Playboy story now when it will be mostly forgotten at the end. Hopefully there is not any more stuff they are waiting to drop in September or October.