Minnesota Senate Recount Day 4: Work Continues in Some Counties (Coleman +115, 60% reporting)

St. Paul Tribune ^ | Last update: November 22, 2008 - 12:12 PM | By KEVIN DUCHSCHERE

[lewisglad]

The weekend isn't bringing any respite in the Minnesota Senate recount.

Ballots in the ultra-close race between Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken are being counted in at least three counties today.

Fifty-three counties have reported complete results to the secretary of state, meaning fewer than three dozen remain. As of Friday night, at least 60 percent of the estimated 2.9 million ballots had gotten a second look.

Coleman entered the recount with a 215-vote edge over Franken. That lead has dropped to 115 votes when comparing totals in precincts where the new count is complete. But the figure doesn't include ballot challenges, which have caused vote tallies for both men to drop.

There have been 1,525 challenges between the campaigns, although some could be withdrawn before the Canvassing Board's Dec. 16 meeting.

In a high-ceilinged warehouse in northeast Minneapolis, the recount was carefully monitored by 52 volunteer observers for Coleman and 40 for Franken.

The work area was hushed, with little conversation as people focused on their work.

[Hoodat]

I remember when that happened. I could not believe the Republicans let them get away with that.

[Chet 99]

Yes. In 1974, the Republican candidate in NH was the certified winner by 4 votes. The Democrat senate refused to recognize the results and a ‘do over’ election was held, which the Democrat won.

It is right in the Constitution that each House is the final judge of the elections of its own members.

[luvie]

Does anyone know what the count is at right now? I haven’t
seen any news on this for days!

[ScottinVA]

As of 2:02 p.m. CST, with 69% of votes recounted, Coleman is now at +195.

Try this link for updates: http://ww2.startribune.com/news/metro/elections/returns/2008/recount/msenco.html

[luvie]

Thanks! Looks like he’s picked up some votes. Too bad
Stuart Smalley! I hope this thing is over soon and Coleman
retains his seat!

[ScottinVA]

With only 31% of the votes to go, it would take a very wide swing now to overcome Coleman’s lead, based on what we’ve seen in the previous 69%

I’m not Coleman’s biggest fan, but I’d much rather see him re-elected than to see fecAl Franken win.

[luvie]

Yes, he is definitely better than having another DIM clown
in the Senate!...barely! :D

I just hope it’s over soon. I am sure Coleman does, too!

[dr_who]

Don’t discount it. Bound to be a few Dems in Minn with the right laser printer, card stock, and master document.

[shadowgovernment]

.” Bound to be a few Dems in Minn with the right laser printer, card stock, and master document.”
>>>>>..............
seems birth certificates are being worked on as well for the chosen one..we will see it when it cannot be challenged as fake..
Stolen elections the washington state governor's race was the trial run for a dem take over of all major races.
no wonder the GOP is full of RINO’s wetting their pants
they all have bulls eyes on them.

[dbz77]

I’m not Coleman’s biggest fan, but I’d much rather see him re-elected than to see fecAl Franken win.

Maybe Franken can run for governor in two years, when Governor Pawlenty is termed out.

[babubabu]

dbz77,

thanks for joining freerepublic (Nov 5, 2008 on your profile page). I am sure you are not a troll or anything like that......

[dbz77]

thanks for joining freerepublic (Nov 5, 2008 on your profile page). I am sure you are not a troll or anything like that....

I am not a troll. Still, Franken for Governor of Minnesota should not be surprising; he already has a base of supporters to build from. And the governorship of Minnesota is open in 2010.