According to University of Minnesota political scientist Larry Jacobs, “Al Franken’s gonna have a fight on his hands. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.” Jacobs is also director of the school’s Center for the Study of Politics and Governance.
As The Hill points out, there are plenty of reasons to view Minnesota as a battleground when it comes to the Senate.
There is a history of Republican governors and senators, though, like Tim Pawlenty and Norm Coleman, who battled Franken to the recount last time around.
Franken won by just 312 votes in 2008 and now republicans are counting on Obama’s low poll numbers in the state to give their nominee, Mike McFadden, a real shot at the seat. Given the politics of the state, McFadden has positioned himself as a moderate.
Without a clear record of accomplishment, the best Franken may be able to accomplish is to run away from Obama and remain in the Senate simply because he’s there.
“The most positive thing that someone says about him is that he exceeds expectations,” (Norm) Coleman, who lost to Franken in a protracted recount in 2008 — a good year for Democrats — said in an interview.
“People thought he would be fighting with everybody and instead he’s been quiet.
Add in Obama’s low approval rating in the traditionally blue state–43 percent in an April Suffolk University poll –and a Republican nominee, Mike McFadden, seeking to project a non-fiery, problem-solver image, and there is a real test for Franken’s transformation into a low-key workman.