A new statewide poll by researchers at St. Cloud State University shows John Kerry holding a slim four point lead over President Bush in Minnesota.
The poll shows Kerry leading 46% to 42% among all respondents to the survey, which questioned 673 Minnesotans.
The poll also found that among people considered likely voters, the gap is wider, with Kerry leading 49% to 42%.
But Dr. Steven Wagner, one of three political scientists conducting the research, says he's most comfortable with the All Respondents figure.
Wagner said same day registration makes it more likely that citizens who weren't considered "likely voters" would still turn out at the poll.
The poll called citizens over an eight night period, ending Tuesday, October 26.
Wagner said the survey found a discernable shift toward Kerry in the last couple of days.
The survey also found that 34% of respondents considered themselves politically conservative, while 33% consider themselves moderate, and 28% consider themselves liberal.
However, the poll also found that 41% of the respondents considered themselves Democrats, while 32% considered themselves Republicans.
12% of the poll respondents said they were Independence Party members, and 2% said they were Greens.
