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Ugly Debate Wraps Up Minn. Senate Race

Coleman, Franken trade insults in front of catcalling audience

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2008 8:19 AM CST

(Newser) – Minnesota's Senate race is going down to the wire, and a debate last night in St. Paul between Norm Coleman and Al Franken descended into angry, personal attacks. As the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports, Franken laid into the GOP incumbent for taking money from a "political sugar daddy," while Coleman blasted his opponent for making "jokes about rape" during his years as a comedian.

Despite the moderator's best efforts, audience members booed, cheered, and even catcalled during the debate. Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton arrive in the state today to help their parties' candidates in what has become the most vicious race of the year. Franken holds a small lead in polling, but the race has been complicated by a third-party candidate: Dean Barkley, whom Jesse Ventura appointed to fill a Senate seat for 2 months and who is polling double digits.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Sen .Dean Barkley, I-Minn., speaks to reporters after filing for US Senate as an Independence Party candidate Tuesday, July 15, 2008 in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Minnesota Democratic senatorial candidate, comedian, and satirist Al Franken. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)

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An ad released by Al Franken concerning a lawsuit that alleges Norm Coleman's wife had received $75,000 from a fundraiser. (campaigntvads)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 2 of 2 comments

Shannonals

Nov 4, 2008 6:44 AM CST

Man, this election in Minnesota is making us all look bad. CNN joked our blood pool was thinning up here ont here show tonight

Guest

Nov 2, 2008 10:02 PM CST

NORM COLEMAN IS A BUSH LAPDOG AND WE THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA NEED TO GE HIM OUT OF THE SENATE AND ELECT AL FRANKEN TO THE U S SENATE. AL WILL WORK FOR ALL PEOPLE, NOT THE SPECIAL INTEREST LIKE NORM HAS DONE ALL OF HIS YEARS IN OFFICE.

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Senate • Norm Coleman • Minnesota • Al Franken • Senate race • Dean Barkley

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Ugly Debate Wraps Up Minn. Senate Race