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Coleman Sues Franken in Minn. Senate Race

GOP incumbent says comedian rival's ads are defamatory, false

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 30, 2008 5:50 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Minnesota's tight Senate race has turned litigious. Incumbent Norm Coleman sued opponent Al Franken today for character defamation, the Hill reports. Coleman’s campaign says ads claiming he is the “fourth most corrupt senator in Washington” are false and violate Minnesota campaign law. “Our ads are factual and true, even if Norm Coleman doesn't like being held accountable for his conduct,” said a Franken spokeswoman.

The ads, which also accuse Coleman of getting a sweet deal on his DC apartment, stem from a liberal watchdog group’s “dishonorable mention” of Coleman in a corruption list. Coleman was never actually deemed the “fourth most corrupt.” The Republican has filed similar suits three times in previous races. “Every time someone tries to hold Norm Coleman accountable, he runs to court to try to weasel his way out of it,” Franken’s spokeswoman said.

Coleman waves at the crowd before the start of his speech at the Republican National Convention.
Coleman waves at the crowd before the start of his speech at the Republican National Convention.   (AP Photo)
Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.
Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.   (AP Photo)
Norm Coleman protests the Vietnam War as an undergraduate student at Hofstra University.
Norm Coleman protests the Vietnam War as an undergraduate student at Hofstra University.   (AP Photo)
Former comedian Al Franken hugs his wife Franni after accepting the Democratic endorsement for U.S. Senate from Minnesota.
Former comedian Al Franken hugs his wife Franni after accepting the Democratic endorsement for U.S. Senate from Minnesota.   (AP Photo)
Comedian and radio talk show host (and Senatorial candidate) Al Franken laughs during an interview.
Comedian and radio talk show host (and Senatorial candidate) Al Franken laughs during an interview.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Shannonals
Oct 31, 2008 1:03 AM CDT
I live in Minnesota, both nominations have released negative ads. Coleman has ran the more negative of ads in the past, but has been running more postive ads for the past two weeks
Fondue
Oct 30, 2008 10:48 PM CDT
I hope Franken wins. What could be any more strange in this country?

More from the Coleman campaign on the suit
Minneapolis Star Tribune

One poll has Coleman up four points
Rasmussen Reports

An overview of the race
ABC News

 
lawsuit • Norm Coleman • Minnesota • defamation • Al Franken • political advertising • Senate race • Election 2008

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