Norm Coleman and Al Franken have yet to meet in a campaign duel, but in a couple of weeks you'll be able to see the two leading Senate candidates face off on YouTube,

Both have agreed to answer video questions from YouTube viewers for a "Choose '08" program on the popular Internet site starting Aug. 7, said YouTube news director Steve Grove.

It's part of YouTube's effort to highlight "some of the hottest senatorial and congressional races in the country," Grove says in an introductory video (youtube.com/youchoose08).

Submitted questions should be brief and focused on issues and must be sent by Monday, through the website. Five will be chosen, based on how many hits they get and how viewers rank them, and the answers provided by Coleman and Franken will be presented side-by-side.

Commercials for both campaigns can be found on their YouTube channels, youtube.com/colemanfor senate and http:/youtube.com/ frankenforsenate.

Coleman, the Republican incumbent, and Franken, the DFL-endorsed candidate, are scheduled to participate in a candidate forum Aug. 5 at the Farmfest agricultural expo in Redwood Falls, Minn.

KEVIN DUCHSCHERE