With low poll numbers and far less money than he had in 2000, then-senator Mark Dayton announced in 2005 that he would not run for re-election the following year. However, Dayton -- who has said he's better suited for an executive position in politics rather than legislative -- jumped into the Minnesota governor's race a year ago and now leads a large Democratic primary field, according to a new Rasmussen poll.

Finishing closest to Dayton is Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, who has to battle not only Dayton and the rest of the field, but also history -- no sitting Minneapolis mayor has ever been elected governor. Behind him are state House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and former state House Dem Leader Matt Entenza.

Democrats (Jan. 11, 331 Dem LV, MoE +/- 5%)
Dayton 34
Rybak 25
Kelliher 12
Entenza 5
Undecided 13
Someone else 10

On the Republican side, things are on hold until former senator Norm Coleman announces his decision -- which many in Minnesota presume is that he will indeed run. He would be the outright favorite for the nomination.

One potential opponent included in this poll, former state Auditor Pat Anderson, left the race Tuesday to instead run again for state auditor. Also included are state Reps. Marty Seifert and Tom Emmer.

Republicans (Jan. 11, 301 GOP LV, MoE +/- 6%)
Coleman 52
Seifert 9
Emmer 9
Anderson 5
Undecided 18
Someone else 7

While both parties are holding Sept. 14 primaries, a more pressing date on the Dem side is the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party nominating convention April 23-25 -- though it's usually held in June. The state GOP holds a similar event May 1. In theory, the state party is supposed to get behind the endorsed candidate even if primary challengers remain.

UPDATE: An on-the-ball reader points out Dayton and Coleman have their own historical obstacle to overcome -- no former senator has ever gone on to become governor. This blog at the University of Minnesota has more details.