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Coleman Beats Franken by 762 Votes

Dem demands a recount in Minnesota's squeaker Senate race

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 5, 2008 7:22 AM CST

(AP) – Norm Coleman has defeated Al Franken in one of Minnesota's tightest Senate elections ever, declares the AP. The GOP incumbent led by 762 votes out of nearly 2.9 million cast. Coleman had 42.03%, Franken 42%, and third-party candidate Dean Barley 15%. But the former comedian has not conceded and is demanding a recount, which will be triggered automatically by Minnesota state law.

"This has been a long campaign, but it is going to be a little longer before we have a winner," Franken said at a rally. Exit polls showed that Franken held a big lead in Minneapolis and St. Paul, while Coleman ran stronger in Twin Cities suburbs and western Minnesota. The Senate race was one of the ugliest of the campaign, with the rivals trading accusations of corruption and immorality.

Rudy Giuliani campaigns for Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., Monday, Nov. 3, 2008 in St. Paul, Minn. Coleman has been reelected by a margin of 762 votes, says the AP.
Rudy Giuliani campaigns for Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., Monday, Nov. 3, 2008 in St. Paul, Minn. Coleman has been reelected by a margin of 762 votes, says the AP.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008.
Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Sen. Norm Coleman, right, address well wishers at Republican Headquarters, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 in Bloomington, Minn. Joining Sen. Coleman is son Jacob, left and wife Laurie, center.
Sen. Norm Coleman, right, address well wishers at Republican Headquarters, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 in Bloomington, Minn. Joining Sen. Coleman is son Jacob, left and wife Laurie, center.   (Tom Olmscheid)
Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken addresses supporters at his 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 his 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)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
jaguarj
Nov 5, 2008 8:22 PM CST
Coleman had a lot of balls giving his speech acknowledging his win when there will be a recount. Slimeball.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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