Minnesota (5/23/06)

In 2002 incumbent Democratic senator Paul Wellstone was engaged in a bitter reelection battle until he tragically died in a plane crash one week before the election. Republican Norm Coleman ended up defeating former V.P. Walter Mondale. Coleman is seeking reelection, and it figures to be an uphill battle for him. He is a conservative in a liberal state, much in the fashion of Rick Santorum's situation. Facing no major primary opposition himself, the Democratic primary will prove to be an exciting one. Talk show host and famous Democratic comedian Al Franken is currently the frontrunner for his party's nomination, but that is mostly due to his high name recognation. He has never held elective office, and that is something that will surely hurt him in the primary. Other, not as famous, potential candidates include Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak and 2000 candidate and wealthy lawyer Mike Ciresi. The GOP will put a lot of money into keeping this seat red.

Potential GOP Candidates: Senator Norm Coleman (http://coleman.senate.gov)

Potential Dem Candidates: Lawyer Mike Ciresi (http://www.rkmc.com/Michael_Ciresi.htm/)
Comedian Al Franken (http://www.midwestvaluespac.org/)
Mayor R.T. Rybak (http://www.rtrybak.com/)

Current Rating: Toss-Up