Novak: Coleman an underdog but Pawlenty on the ticket will help him
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Robert Novak is ranking Minnesota's Senate race as "Leaning Democratic Takeover" between GOP Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken. It's a lengthy analysis but here's the meat of it:
This race, more than most, will come down to turnout. The two men who could drive turnout are Obama and Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R), who squeaked by to reelection in 2006. If Pawlenty is McCain's running mate, that might motivate otherwise depressed or apathetic Republicans. If Obama is the nominee, his huge bloc of support here (he beat Clinton 2-to-1 in the primary) could push Franken over the top. If Clinton is the nominee, however, it could have the opposite effect-energizing Republicans and depressing Obama's backers.
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