Despite Obama Surge in Minn., Coleman Holds 7 Percent Edge

A new Minneapolis Star-Tribune poll shows Barack Obama commanding a 51 percent to 38 percent lead in Minnesota over John McCain despite expectations that the state will be a battleground come November.

But even with Obama’s surge, and recent gloomy news for the GOP, incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman maintains a seven percent edge over Democrat Al Franken, 51-44, the same poll shows.

The race is considered to be one of the most competitive going into November. Earlier in the race, Franken led Coleman by three percent.

Coleman, however, has battled back thanks in part to news that Franken owed $70,000 in back taxes and penalties to 17 states. Franken “appears to have been weakened by his recent tax problems” the poll says.

The poll also shows that while Franken has been hurt, the incumbent senator still looks vulnerable as Coleman has a 45-percent job approval rating.