At a time when political attack ads have come to dominate campaigns and substantive stands on issues take a distant back seat, there is occasional good news.

A new poll shows that in one Minnesota race, voters are punishing those who peddle anger and fear over substance.

The U.S. Senate race between Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken has been a series of ads featuring sniping and smearing. In Coleman ads, Franken is mocked for failing to file timely business taxes in several states. Franken’s attack ads rip Coleman for taking a fishing trip to Alaska, tying it to lobbyists.

The result of the onslaught of high-priced marketing and advertising? Both candidates have plummeted in the public’s opinion.

A new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll finds that compared to May, support for Coleman has dropped 10 percentage points while support for Franken has fallen 7 points. Coleman’s lead has narrowed to 4 points.

The candidate benefiting from the major party candidates’ fighting has been Independence candidate Dean Barkley. A late entrant in the race, Barkley’s support has grown to a respectable 13 percent.

Interviews with many of those taking the poll showed that most of those who switched support to Barkley admit they know little about him. They say they are supporting him because of the negative campaigns waged by Coleman and Franken.

To be fair, the candidates are not responsible for all the ads. Many of the most negative ads are from independent groups and not part of the campaigns. But candidates could come out against those negative ads.

Some negative advertising can be beneficial and is often necessary. Pointing out legitimate questions about an opponent’s character or record is information voters can use as part of their vetting process of candidates.

But the broadside assault of negative campaigning threatens to overshadow debate on real issues. Perhaps Minnesota voters are sending a message that zealous attacks will not serve the candidates who sponsor them.

— The Free Press of Mankato, Sept. 16