Rasmussen Poll: Obama up 5 points in MN

A poll conducted by Rasmussen reports says President Obama is leading Mitt Romney by 5 percentage points in Minnesota.

The poll, which relies on an automated, robo-dial methodology, surveyed 500 likely voters on Oct. 21. It found that 51 percent of those polled support Obama and 46 percent of those polled support Romney. One percent supports another candidate and 1 percent is undecided. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

Rasmussen, which Democrats have long argued favors GOP candidates, is the first poll that shows the presidential race in Minnesota that close. Two other pollsters, Survey USA and Public Policy Polling (which is aligned with Democrats) showed Obama leading by 10 points in recent polls.

Republicans in Minnesota have said they believe Minnesota is competitive this year but the Romney campaign has spent little money or time campaigning in the state. President Obama's campaign has 11 field offices and more than 40 staffers working in the state.

Minnesota has not backed a Republican for president since 1972.

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