Poll: Minnesotans Polarized on Politics

A FOX 9 Rasmussen poll shows Minnesotans these days have firm beliefs on the direction of the economy, the state, and political leaders, but when it comes to those leaders, polarization is everywhere.

According to the latest exclusive FOX 9, Rasmussen Poll, 27 percent of Minnesotans surveyed strongly approve of Governor Tim Pawlenty, while 29 percent strongly disapprove.

The poll finds 20 percent have a very favorable impression of Senator Al Franken, while 38 percent view him very unfavorably.

60 percent of likely voters think Sen. Al Franken can still be an effective senator for Minnesota despite his late start after a drawn out legal battle with Norm Coleman.

When Franken was sworn into office July 7, he becomes the 60th Democratic senator, giving the party a filibuster proof majority in the Senate and a potentially huge advantage in pushing through President Barack Obama’s agenda on issues like health care and climate change. The FOX 9-Rasmussen Reports poll found a majority of likely voters think a filibuster proof majority in the Senate is a bad thing.38 percent say they strongly approve of President Barack Obama, while 35 percent strongly disapprove.

Political Analyst Kathryn Pearson says there are simply fewer moderate Democrats and Republicans than there used to be. Those party die-hards are receiving a strong message.

"The cues we're hearing from St. Paul and Washington are so polarized along party lines," said Pearson. "So the public is hearing these cues from party leaders and politicians and responding in kind."

Polarization in politics isn't for everyone all the time but for others, it's as American as democracy itself.