More Minnesotans want Republican Norm Coleman to give up challenging the results of the recount in his U.S. Senate battle with rival Al Franken than believe he should keep pushing for a second term.

That's what a Survey USA poll, conducted for KSTP-TV, Channel 5, is saying.

The poll of 500 Minnesotans, released Thursday, asked several questions concerning the recount, which ended with DFLer Franken ahead. Among them: "Do you agree or disagree with Norm Coleman's decision to challenge the U.S. Senate recount results?"

Forty-nine percent disagree with Coleman's effort to overturn the recount result, 42 percent agree and 9 percent are not sure.

Asked what they think should happen next, 44 percent surveyed said Coleman should concede, 31 percent want another election and 8 percent want another recount.

As for how well Secretary of State Mark Ritchie led the recount, 56 percent polled said they approve of how Ritchie did his job, 34 percent disapprove and 10 percent are not sure.

Addressing the quality of the recount process, 56 percent questioned said it was fair to both candidates, 31 said it was unfair to Coleman and 3 percent said it was unfair to Franken.

The poll has a 4.5 percentage-point margin of error, plus or minus.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482