Sen. Coleman's seat in serious jeopardy

Senator Norm Coleman is in a statistical dead heat with potential DFL challengers Mike Ciresi and Al Franken, according to a SurveyUSA poll released today. The incumbent and Ciresi each garnered support from 44 percent of potential voters in a head-to-head matchup. When pitted against Franken, Coleman registered an inconsequential 46-45 advantage. The poll, commissioned by Roll Call, surveyed 692 registered voters and had a 3.8 percent margin of error.

The study also showed that Coleman has a 37 percent approval rating one year out from his first re-election contest. Only 20 percent of Minnesota voters expressed approval of President Bush's job performance.

The last SurveyUSA poll, conducted in July, showed Coleman with a 48-42 advantage over Ciresi. (Franken's support was not gaged in that study.)