MN-PPP: Lean Franken

[Tayya]

http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_MN_012213.pdf

Voters approve of Franken’s job performances by an 11 point margin, 52% to 41%.
Franken’s approval numbers generally break down along party lines: 89% of Democrats
approve, 83% of Republicans disapprove, and support from independents is about even at
46/45. Moderate voters approve of the job Franken is doing as Senator 62% to 30%.

In hypothetical 2014 match-ups, Franken leads Norm Coleman by 6 points (50/44), John
Kline by 8 points (49/41), Erik Paulsen by 11 points (50/39) and Michele Bachmann by
14 points (54/40). Support from moderate and female voters gives Franken a decisive
edge against most of these potential Republican candidates.

All Republicans, even "moderates", prefer Bachmann as their candidate.

Oh Minnesota GOP...

[Small Business Owner of Any Repute]

I don't think she could actually win a statewide primary against a lone opponent.

[Tayya]

The sample size on Republican voters is pretty small, too, so it could overrate her standings. I'd expect other candidates to catch up when they gain name recognition. Coleman wasn't in the primary, after all.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Franken will win thanks to the convicted felon voters clamoring to support him.

[Nichlemn]

Would it be all that bad for the GOP if they nominate Bachmann? It probably improves their chances of holding her CD and gets rid of an embarrassment, whereas the opportunity cost in terms of losing a Senate seat that another candidate could have won isn't particularly high.

[Maxwell]

The Minnesota GOP is rather shocking to me. They are so right wing in a state that moderate Republicans would be the better approach.

[wan]

I would absolutely love to see Bachmann challenge Sen Franken! His seat is likely safe.

[Torie]

Bachmann knows she would lose, the electoral under performer that she is, and will try to hold onto her House seat. She needs a job, and will not toss the one she has in the dustbin.  Heck, she would not have run for POTUS if it meant losing her House seat. Underneath her rather insane exterior, is a quite practical woman.

[Blackacre]

As long as Minnesota has Al Franken as a Senator, I will love that state to death. I really hope he keeps his seat.

[seanNJ9]

Amazing how invisible he's been as a senator. Don't believe he does interviews with the national media.

[Zioneer]

Amazing how invisible he's been as a senator. Don't believe he does interviews with the national media.

I think that was by choice; from what I understand, he didn't want to be seen as a "celebrity senator".

[RogueBeaver]

Safe D no matter what. The Pubs should focus on the Mansion and Legislature.

[Maxwell]

Safe D no matter what. The Pubs should focus on the Mansion and Legislature.

Looking at the polls, I think the Pubs should intensely focus on the legislature, considering the Governor's mansion looks locked and sealed for now.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

I have a tough time seeing how the bankrupt and in shambles Minnesota GOP is going to organize a winning campaign to retake the legislature or what type of campaign they can use to convince voters they deserve another chance after their disastrous two years of leadership.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

I have a tough time seeing how the bankrupt and in shambles Minnesota GOP is going to organize a winning campaign to retake the legislature or what type of campaign they can use to convince voters they deserve another chance after their disastrous two years of leadership.

Yeah, but you guys have a Democrat governor.  And I can't see why in the world Minnesota would vote in Al Franken, of all people, to represent them in the Senate, especially since he was never actually elected.  Then again, they did elect Jesse Ventura as their governor once. 

[homelycooking]

especially since he was never actually elected.

[Zioneer]

I have a tough time seeing how the bankrupt and in shambles Minnesota GOP is going to organize a winning campaign to retake the legislature or what type of campaign they can use to convince voters they deserve another chance after their disastrous two years of leadership.

Yeah, but you guys have a Democrat governor.  And I can't see why in the world Minnesota would vote in Al Franken, of all people, to represent them in the Senate, especially since he was never actually elected.  Then again, they did elect Jesse Ventura as their governor once. 

Franken was rightfully elected, we have explained this to you repeatedly. Minnesota felons regain the right to vote after they serve their sentences, have you not seen any of our Franken-related posts?

But seriously, regardless of what Oldies thinks, Franken's favorables have gotten better than when he was first elected, so this isn't surprising.