A newly-released poll indicates that the U.S. Senate race in Minnesota has tightened dramatically since satirist and author Al Franken announced his candidacy.

The poll, conducted on March 7 by independent pollster Rasmussen Reports, shows Senator Norm Coleman leading Franken 46% to 36%. Rasmussen notes that “incumbents who poll below 50% are considered potentially vulnerable.” In addition, Franken holds a lead among voters under age 30.

The survey polled 500 likely voters and has a margin of error of +/- 4.5%. It is the first survey of likely voters so far in the campaign. However, a survey of registered voters conducted by Survey USA immediately prior to Franken’s Feb. 14 announcement shows Sen. Coleman with a 22 point lead, as compared to the 10 point lead he holds in the poll conducted just three weeks later.

“This poll just confirms what we’ve known for the past few weeks,” said Franken spokesman Andy Barr. “Senator Coleman is vulnerable, and Al has the early momentum in this race.”

Poll results are available here .

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