Rasmussen Poll has Dayton trailing by 1 point.

[anthroguy101]

I think this needs to be discussed. Minnesotans need to do something about this, and fast. Emmer can't be in the governer's mansion after all those failed years with Pawlenty, he just can't.

[CatholicEdHead]

1. True about Emmer

the problem is I know many moderates in outstate MN who were turned off by Emmer, liked MAK, but also think Dayton is too unstable for them (going back to his closing of his Senate office) and what they perceive as a radical tax policy in this economy. The rest of it will depend on Horner's draw, which usually drains DFL votes, in this case the moderate and ex-GOP ones who would not vote for Emmer.

[Mister Ed]

2. Doesn't Rasmussen usually trend to the right of other polls?

I take some comfort in that. But your point still stands. Pawlenty has severely weakened Minnesota; Emmer would kill it off.

It's hard for me to understand how Dayton's unwillingness to expose his staff to a threat that he and the other senators would not face should be a blemish on his record. But EdHead is right; many perceive it as such, thanks to the steady drumbeat of attack ads. Maybe it's time for Dayton to take that bull by the horns - to speak of the matter directly, and make it the plus it should be. It exemplifies his concern for us regular, everyday folks - and we regular, everyday voters are desperately seeking someone who will go to bat for us instead of the elites.

I also place some hope in the working folk up on the Iron Range. It may turn out that they will put Dayton over the top in the general election the way they did in the primary.

[Mnpaul]

3. Rasmussen usually favors the Repubs by 7-10%

I wouldn't get excited over this one.

[mzmolly]

4. Absolultey

astounding.

[Randomthought]

5. fivethirtyeight

has 78% chance of Dayton win as opposed to Emmer at 22% chance of winning.
Their weighted polling average is Dayton 39.4, Emmer 34.5

http://elections.nytimes.com/2010/forecasts/governor/minnesota