Wetterling ahead in poll, getting attention of national pundits

A poll by Constituent Dynamics has DFLer Patty Wetterling leading Republican Michele Bachmann. You can view the results here. The poll does not include Independence Party member John Binkowski. This is the first poll that shows Wetterling with a lead. A previous Constituent Dynamics poll done with generic GOP and DFL candidates in August gave the GOP candidate a nine point lead.

The 6th is getting plenty of attention by national political handicappers. The Rothenberg Political Report includes the race as a part of its Dangerous Dozen House races:

Minnesota's 6th. While Rep. Mark Kennedy (R) runs for the Senate, his party's nominee for his old seat is state Sen. Michele Bachmann. Democrat Patty Wetterling has name recognition from her race in the previous cycle, and she also has no legislative record to defend. Now, the Congressional page scandal plays into her strength. But Bachmann, an ardent social conservative in a district won by Bush with 56 percent of the vote in 2004, is personable and articulate. Bachmann began the general election trailing by a few points, but this race is still very close.

The National Journal says the 6th is one of several races that could be impacted by the Foley scandal.

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