6. Minnesota (R): We can't believe we're writing this but comedian Al Franken (D) now has a better than 50-50 shot at winding up in the Senate next January. Sen. Norm Coleman's (R) decision to abandon his negative ads hasn't moved the numbers perceptibly, and it appears as though independent Dean Barkley is taking more votes from Coleman than Franken. Coleman has shown tremendous electoral resiliency in his career, however, so we don't count him out -- ever. An absolutely amazing race that will be studied by political junkies for years to come. (Previous ranking: 7)
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