Is The Democratic Brand Shaky In Minnesota?
Posted Oct 04, 2008 at 9:09 AM by Maurice Berger
Is the Democratic brand shaky in Minnesota? Yesterday, PollTrack reported that McCain took an insignificant, but still noteworthy lead in the state in one poll conducted by Survey USA. But McCain may not be the only candidate benefiting from the shifting demographics of a state that was once one of the most reliably Democratic, but has seen inroads by Republicans in recent years. The same polling organization reports that incumbent US Senator Norm Coleman may have the upper hand in his race against Democrat Al Franken. First-termer Coleman leads Franken by +10%, 43% to 33%. More extraordinary is the strength of third party candidate, Dean Barkley, who polls at a phenomenal 19%. Other surveys also show Coleman in the lead, but with lower support for Barkley. A Washington Post/Wall Street Journal/Quinnipiac survey conducted Sept. 14-21 had Coleman up, 49% to 42%.The poll did not include Barkley.
