MINNEAPOLIS — Asked how they’re inclined to vote in November to replace Tina Smith in the U.S. Senate, Minnesotans favor Democrats, according a new poll. The poll found:
> 49% favored the Democrats, whichever candidate prevails in the August primary.
> 41% favored the Republican, whichever one prevails in August
> 9% were undecided.
The poll was June 8 to June 10 with 800 telephone interviews statewide. The statistical margin of error was slim and made the poll a useful snapshot for analysts.
Fields in flux
The leading Democrats, both with aggressive television advertising campaigns going into the August primary election that decides who represents the party on the November ballot.
> Angie Craig, currently in the U.S. House from MN-2.
> Peggy Flanagan, the party’s endorsed candidate and currently lieutenant governor.
The leading Republicans going into the August primary:
> Michelle Tafoya, a network television sports interviewer.
> Adam Schwarze, the party’s endorsed candidate and who has federal experience in foreign affairs.