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Minnesota Recount Mired in Challenges

Ballot challenges will take a month to decide

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 25, 2008 2:00 AM CST

(Newser) – The marathon recount in the Senate race in Minnesota is crawling toward a resolution with incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman still ahead of comedian-writer Al Franken by an estimated 210 votes out of 2.9 million ballots cast. The process has been further complicated as the number of ballots challenged by the candidates surged yesterday to 3,000, and those disputes won't be decided for another month, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Some 1,000 votes have already been thrown out for each candidate because of challenges. The Coleman camp is "satisfied" with where things stand now, even though his lead is shrinking, said his recount attorney. Franken's side claims its count has revealed that Coleman's already slim lead is lower than estimated and will continue to drop into double digits—but declined to specify a number.

Sen. Norm Coleman is still fractionally ahead of challenger Al Franken in the recount of 2.9 million Minnesota votes.
Sen. Norm Coleman is still fractionally ahead of challenger Al Franken in the recount of 2.9 million Minnesota votes.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Kelly Kappes wheels in boxes of ballots for the US Senate race recount.
Kelly Kappes wheels in boxes of ballots for the US Senate race recount.   (AP Photo/Dave Kolpack)
Al Franken talks to reporters as the recount in Minnesota drags on.
Al Franken talks to reporters as the recount in Minnesota drags on.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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