A new KSTP/SurveyUSA poll has Republican Sen. Norm Coleman expanding his lead over Democrat Al Franken in the race for the Senate, and introduces two candidates who aren’t officially running: former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura of the Independence Party and attorney Mike Ciresi, a Democrat.

Leaving the door open for a potential run, Ventura said his strong third-party polling is remarkable considering he’s only rumored to run, and is reminiscent of his bid for governor in 1998.

"I find it interesting that when I ran for governor I was polling at 27 percent the weekend before the election," he said in an e-mail statement Tuesday evening. "I am only four points away from that in June, and I’m not even a candidate in the race nor have I participated in one debate yet. Imagine where I could be after debating."

In the poll, Coleman bests Franken, 52 percent to 40 percent. Ciresi, who suspended his campaign earlier this year, earned similar numbers, with Coleman beating him 50 to 40.

Ventura’s inclusion in the poll draws support away from both Coleman and the two Democrats: Coleman dips to 41 percent and Franken to 31 percent. Ventura garners 23 percent.

A similar scenario occurs with Ciresi on the Democratic ticket. Coleman draws 41 percent, Ciresi 28 percent and Ventura 26 percent.