Surprising Minnesota Senate Poll

Ok, it's a poll conducted by the Star Tribune, so you have to knock off about 10 points from the Dem candidate to make it remotely accurate. Nevertheless, the poll shows Democrat Amy Klobuchar with a 50%-31% lead over Republican Mark Kennedy. Even factoring in the Trib's Dem-leaning methodology, these are sobering numbers for Representative Kennedy.

I've been saying for nearly two years that Kennedy was going to win this seat come November. First, I thought he'd be knocking out Mark Dayton, who would have been easy pickings. Then I suggested that no matter who the Dems put up to replace Dayton on the ticket, Kennedy would still win. I now have to reconsider.

If the Democrats easily retain this seat, then it's likely they will do very well elsewhere. The numbers aren't favorable, but this early poll may be the start of a national trend in favor of Democratic candidates that could lead to promising results for the Donkey on elections night. That is, if they don't shoot themselves in the foot first.