Poll numbers released by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Thursday show Rep. Michele Bachmann leading Elwyn Tinklenberg by 4 points. Bachmann garnered the support of 42 percent of those polled while Tinklenberg had 38 percent. The poll says Bachmann’s approval rating in the 6th Congressional is at 34 percent.

It’s a Democratic poll so appropriate caveats apply, but in a race that has seen little polling in the last two months, it’s the only gauge of the electorate available for October.

The poll was released as the DCCC, which added Tinklenberg to its Red to Blue list, begins pouring money into the race, and as a pardon letter Bachmann wrote for Petters scandal figure Frank Vennes Jr. raises questions.

Meanwhile, Zach Stephenson at MNPublius reports that in some off-the-record conversations with GOP insiders there is a sense of concern over the district. “I’ve spoken to several Republicans tonight who tell me that internal Republican polling has Michele Bachmann with just a five point lead over El Tinklenberg.”