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At Least for Now, Franken Pulls Ahead
December 19, 2008 2:22 PM
ABC News’ Rick Klein and Teddy Davis Report: Despite trailing by a narrow but consistent margin since Election Day, Democrat Al Franken has pulled ahead of Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., in the seemingly never-ending recount in Minnesota, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.
Could Franken actually pull this off?
In short, yes -- but the current unofficial margin of 250 votes is almost certain to drop as the counting and re-counting -- and the raft of legal challenges -- go on, and on. It’s very possible that the last remaining race from the 2008 elections won’t be settled until 2009.
This from Coleman spokesman Mark Drake: "While varying headlines and a flurry of different numbers will continue, we encourage everyone to just hang on until the process is finished. When it is finished, Norm Coleman will still lead, and we believe, be re-elected to the United States Senate.”
Franken's lead is expected to increase throughout the day Friday, because the Canvassing Board is reviewing Coleman’s challenges. Most challenges fail, and when that happens, the other candidate is awarded the vote in the official tally.
Monday is a big day in front of the Canvassing Board, with two items on the agenda. This is technical stuff, but here goes:
1. The campaigns are withdrawing challenges to roughly 4,000 previously contested ballots. When a campaign withdraws its challenge, it allows the local official’s original determination to be recorded, benefiting the opponent of the candidate withdrawing the challenge. This step will benefit Coleman, since the majority of these withdrawn challenges were withdrawn by Franken.
2. The Minnesota Canvassing Board will review additional challenges from Coleman and Franken that were brought late this week. More of these challenges were brought by Coleman (roughly 200) than by Franken (roughly 50). This step of the process will likely net some votes for Franken, since most challenges fail.
Bottom line: Coleman is expected to gain ground on Monday -- a point the Franken campaign concedes.
The big question –- which we will not know until Monday -– is whether Coleman will gain enough to regain the lead.
With Congress set to convene in new session Jan. 6, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn., said his staff was researching the possibility of a temporary appointment.
Pawlenty said, however, that it was unlikely he would do so because he expected the recount would be resolved by then.
December 19, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (69)
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Hooo Haaa, I can't wait to read "Senator" Franken.
Posted by: JR | Dec 19, 2008 2:51:07 PM
This is a clear example of how to steal an election and the State dems are approving of it. This violates many state laws, but I guess since the dems control the state, laws do not matter.
Posted by: nookly23 | Dec 19, 2008 2:52:40 PM
From the people who MURDERED Paul Wellstone, we give you this FARCE of an ahem, "election!"
Posted by: please! | Dec 19, 2008 2:58:12 PM
This is unreal. I feel like I'm in a twilight zone episode. Our tax money and legislative seats are being stolen right in front of us and there is nothing we can do about it. Unreal.
Posted by: chris | Dec 19, 2008 2:58:27 PM
Minnesota is about ready to have a professional comedian for its state senator.
Posted by: Paul | Dec 19, 2008 3:05:14 PM
What's the defference, we live in a socialist republic now. Better learn how to stand in line so you can get your share. Bush and the greed of Wall Street has destoyed the U.S.A. History has been made right before our eyes, and most people don't even know it.
Ex Republican
Posted by: RGeier | Dec 19, 2008 3:13:07 PM
The Feds are investigating Coleman. Looks like he will be spared the trouble of having to resign.
Posted by: Clint | Dec 19, 2008 3:16:48 PM
Just what Congress needs a Nanny (Fran Drseher) and a commedian(Al Franken) Maybe Pelosi will crack a smile.
Posted by: Jenny Rome Ga | Dec 19, 2008 3:21:48 PM
Nookly 23 "the dems control the state."
Didn't you read the original post. The Minn governor is Republican.
Posted by: Brother Bill | Dec 19, 2008 3:22:40 PM
This has never happened to me before: The anti-spam filter rejected my comment!
Posted by: eiolg | Dec 19, 2008 3:26:04 PM
What?? You mean to tell me the state is going to settle this matter! No appointment by the supreme court?? Looks like change already.
Posted by: rightbehind | Dec 19, 2008 3:28:05 PM
I am beginning to get writer's cramp. How many more of these ballots do I need to fill out for Franken?
Posted by: Paul | Dec 19, 2008 3:34:39 PM
Franken, you were funny when you were on Saturday Night Live; and you still are! You're a big joke! Who's going to trust someone like you? Go home Franken!!!
Posted by: brannigon1 | Dec 19, 2008 3:34:53 PM
But then again, Mn voted Jessie Ventura for governor; they don't seem to be too smart! You might make it Franken!
Posted by: brannigon1 | Dec 19, 2008 3:36:57 PM
I am a form Viking fan, no more. You people in min. are scrowing up our country. A pro wrestler that is fake and a comedian that is a fake May God help us.
Posted by: Bill Hopper | Dec 19, 2008 3:39:17 PM
The fact that Minnesota is going to elect an ex-comedian is another reason to give this "joke" of a state away to Canada.
Posted by: Disappointed | Dec 19, 2008 3:41:05 PM
Al Franken's scorched earth policy to win an election at all costs. Another Gulfstream liberal from Harvard. What makes him think he deserves to represent the people. he is so far from being one of us.
Posted by: stanjones | Dec 19, 2008 3:44:11 PM
I love reading all the whining comments from Republicans. Not so much fun when you think an election is being stolen from you. . .and I am sure Coleman would have stepped down following the election if the roles were reversed (yeah, right!)
Posted by: shoeisontheotherfoot | Dec 19, 2008 3:45:00 PM
Yes, nookly23(did your mother give you that name?)counting votes should be illegal, why pretty soon, everyone will want to vote.
Posted by: Mark Anderson | Dec 19, 2008 3:45:22 PM
brannigon1 wrote:But then again, Mn voted Jessie Ventura for governor; they don't seem to be too smart! You might make it Franken!
Your right, a state that would tolerate a nut like Michele Bachmann just can't be trusted.
Posted by: Clint | Dec 19, 2008 3:46:42 PM
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