by Michael Olson

Democratic Rep. Mark Udall is gaining ground in the Colorado Senate race against Bob Schaffer (R), according to a new Quinnipiac poll. In July that poll had the race even at 44-44. Now Udall has pulled ahead of Schaffer 48-40%.

Incumbent Republican Norm Coleman appears to be slipping in the Minnesota Senate race against Al Franken (D). Coleman remains ahead by 49-42%. That is slightly less than his lead (53-38%) over Franken in July. The poll doesn't indicate what role Dean Barkley's (I) July entry into the race has played. Quinnipiac shows that Democratic support for Coleman has decreased as the campaign has worn on.