Norm Coleman, the embattled Republican senator for Minnesota, yesterday sum- med up his party's sombre mood ahead of its presidential convention in 10 days' time in the state's twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul.

Regardless of John McCain's improving poll fortunes, Mr Coleman and many of his Republican colleagues are facing tough re-election battles in November's congressional elections. "If the convention wasn't in St Paul, I wouldn't be there," he said.