New Poll Shows Opening For Senate Primary Challenge

A new poll shows Democrat Barack Obama with a decisive lead over Republican John McCain. Obama leads the Arizona Senator by 17 points, proving that Minnesota is thoroughly blue.

The poll also shows that while Minnesota may be in the blue, the majority of Minnesotans do not support Democrat Al Franken. Norm Coleman leads Franken by 10 points, 51-41 percent.

The poll conducted by Quinnipiac University and the Washington Post shows another problem for Team Franken. Franken trails Coleman in support among independents by 20 points.

This poll seems to confirm the SURVEY USA poll from last week that put Franken 12 points behind.

Word is also breaking that Franken owes taxes in 11 more states and the District of Columbia. This news will only compound problems for Franken.

"At this point it's going to take major shifts in events to turn the tide in either race in Minnesota," says pollster Clay Richards.

There is a clear opening for another candidate to enter the Senate Primary and challenge Al Franken. Every political observer has said that independents will decide this election. Franken is struggling with not only independents, but also the Democratic base. These are both warning signs for defeat.

Norm Coleman is poised for victory; we must shake up this race. This poll confirms our belief that Minnesotans are looking for another candidate. Independent voters don't want to vote for Coleman, but see no other option. Many Democrats are unenthusiastically supporting Franken because there is no alternative.

Mike Ciresi is that alternative. If Ciresi puts together a solid campaign effort he can appeal to independents and those weary Democrats, maybe even some dissatisfied Republicans. His life story will appeal to a broad range of voters and his history of working for Minnesotans will demonstrate his worth. Victory is not yet out of our grasp, we Democrats need to open our eyes and oust Franken and then support Ciresi to victory in November.