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Franken Race Too Close to Call

Recount looms as Minnesota Senate contest goes down to the wire

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 5, 2008 3:31 AM CST
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(Newser) – Minnesotans may have to wait days to learn the winner of their state's close-fought Senate race, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. Republican incumbent Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken are locked in a dead heat, and the winning margin will almost certainly be slender enough to trigger an automatic recount.

Exit polls showed Franken had benefited from a surge in Democratic support, but some ticket-splitters went for Coleman. Independence Party candidate Dean Barkley pulled off enough Democrats and independents to potentially cost Franken the race. The losing candidate has the right to waive a recount under Minnesota law, but observers say that would be incredibly unlikely after one of the most bitterly contested Senate races in memory.

Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken, and his wife, Franni, vote in Minneapolis yesterday.
Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken, and his wife, Franni, vote in Minneapolis yesterday.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken addresses supporters at a Democratic election night party while his race with Sen. Norm Coleman was too close to call, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 in St. Paul, Minn.
Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken addresses supporters at a Democratic election night party while his race with Sen. Norm Coleman was too close to call, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 in St. Paul, Minn.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken shakes hands with supporters after speaking at the Democratic election night party yesterday in St. Paul, Minn.
Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken shakes hands with supporters after speaking at the Democratic election night party yesterday in St. Paul, Minn.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Republican Sen. Norm Coleman speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.
Republican Sen. Norm Coleman speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Nov 5, 2008 4:45 AM CST
Who could possibly vote for the very unfunny lunatic, Al Franken? What a joke, Minnesota.
jaguarj
Nov 4, 2008 11:31 PM CST
Infidel...there are lot's of unfunny lunatics that ran for office. McLame for one.
Guest
Nov 4, 2008 9:33 PM CST
I voted for the best man to replace that lying snake, bush's patsy, Norm Coleman. Al Franken is the best man for the job. Coleman has had his head so far up Bush's butt these last 6 years that he can see if it's sunny or gray out. Barkely the independent was a loser from the start. They are still counting the votes here in Minnesota and I'm crossing my finger that Al Franken will be our new Senator. We need change and Al is the man to bring it.

Coleman, Franken too close to call
St. Paul Pioneer Press (Minn.)

 
Norm Coleman • Minnesota • Al Franken • Senate race • Election 2008 • recount • Dean Barkley

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