Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Franken Gets Boost in Minnesota Recount

Decision to re-examine rejected absentee ballots raises challenger's hopes

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 3, 2008 5:00 AM CST

(Newser) – The momentum went Al Franken's way in the Minnesota recount yesterday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Democrat—trailing incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman by 303 votes with 93% of the ballots counted—picked up 37 more votes than his rival out of a pile of 171 uncounted ballots found in one county. Also yesterday, Minnesota's secretary of state ordered officials to re-examine 12,000 rejected absentee ballots, a move Franken supporters believe will help their guy.

Franken's campaign has been pushing to have what it estimates to be 1,000 improperly rejected absentee ballots added to the recount before results are finalized December 16. Minnesota's race is the last Senate contest still to be decided—although Democratic dreams of a 60-seat filibuster-proof majority died with yesterday's GOP win in Georgia.

Alan Shilepsky, a Coleman observer, left, and Franken observer Zev Aelony watch the recount of Minneapolis ballots.
Alan Shilepsky, a Coleman observer, left, and Franken observer Zev Aelony watch the recount of Minneapolis ballots.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken addresses supporters at a Democratic election night party last month.
Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken addresses supporters at a Democratic election night party last month.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Election judges count ballots by hand last week at a recount site in Minneapolis.
Election judges count ballots by hand last week at a recount site in Minneapolis.   (AP Photo/Dawn Villella)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
jaguarj
Dec 4, 2008 5:57 AM CST
Oh...but he is.
justme
Dec 3, 2008 7:53 PM CST
Franken has spent years on radio proving his inability to think rationally, rather than as a fringe commentator. I don't know Coleman. Can't comment there but he can't be worse.
Sammy
Dec 3, 2008 6:47 AM CST
As a democrat, I do not believe Franken is qualified. His election would be troubling.

More Newser Stories

Pawlenty's Next Move: Senate Run?

Dêjá Vu! Minnesota Begins Recount

Norm Coleman to Joe Miller: Give Up Already

9 Races Still Up in Air

Both Parties Get Ready to Recount


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne