House Majority PAC Poll: MN-02 a ‘Solid Democratic Target,’ ‘Good’ Prospects for Obermuller

July 25, 2013

Washington, D.C. – A new poll conducted for House Majority PAC shows that the race in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District is poised to be a competitive one.

In an initial head to head, Democrat Mike Obermueller starts out down to Republican John Kline, 45 percent to 32 percent – an “anemic” number for Kline, compared to the relatively unknown Obermueller. Yet after respondents were read balanced positive paragraphs about each candidate, Obermueller rocketed ahead of Kline, 44 percent to 38 percent. Voters found a lot to like in Obermueller’s profile, including the fact that he grew up working on a dairy farm where he learned the value of working together to find common solutions.

Kline’s job approval rating is also well underwater, with just 41 percent giving him decent marks and 48 percent giving him poor ones.

The fundamentals of this district also point to its competitiveness. President Obama won MN-02 in both 2008 and 2012 and remains well liked here.

A memo from the polling firm, Victoria Research, is available here.

“John Kline should be quaking in his boots,” said Andy Stone, Communications Director for House Majority PAC, which has named Kline a top target. “Minnesotans know John Kline’s part of the problem in Washington as he stands in the way, instead of working to find the solutions that will level the playing field for the middle class and small businesses.”