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Franken Hits DC; Coleman Does, Too

Franken prepares, Coleman raises money, as endless election contest drags

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Feb 11, 2009 12:16 PM CST
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(Newser) – With the outcome of Minnesota’s US Senate election still tied up in court, Al Franken is in DC preparing for what appears to be his new job. "It's a symbolic step to show Minnesota voters that Franken is doing what he needs to do to be ready to serve," writes Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post. And opponent Norm Coleman's there, too—awkward!

Franken is meeting with Senate staffers and policy advisers; Coleman's in town for a fundraiser supporting his continuing court battle. Meanwhile, the trial drags on. "I admit to being frustrated at times," Franken told the AP. "But it's a little out of my control. What is in my control is to prepare so that when I get to the Senate, I'm ready to go on day one."

Attorneys' Joe Friedberg, left, representing Norm Coleman, and Kevin Hamilton, representing Al Franken, sift through documents at the Minnesota Judicial Center, Feb 6, 2009, in St. Paul, Minn.
Attorneys' Joe Friedberg, left, representing Norm Coleman, and Kevin Hamilton, representing Al Franken, sift through documents at the Minnesota Judicial Center, Feb 6, 2009, in St. Paul, Minn.   (AP Photo/Elizabeth Flores, Pool)
Democrat Al Franken talks about the Minnesota U.S. Senate race Friday Feb. 6, 2009 at his home in Minneapolis.
Democrat Al Franken talks about the Minnesota U.S. Senate race Friday Feb. 6, 2009 at his home in Minneapolis.   (AP Photo/Dawn Villella)
In a Sept. 3, 2008, file photo Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.
In a Sept. 3, 2008, file photo Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan C. Page listens to arguments made by the Al Franken campaign at the Minnesota Supreme Court in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2008.
Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan C. Page listens to arguments made by the Al Franken campaign at the Minnesota Supreme Court in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Ben Garvin, pool)
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Al Franken could live up to his word of wanting to count every vote if he would tell his supporters that the full lot of 12,000 -- not just his list of cherry-picked ballots -- should be examined so we make sure that all valid are votes counted. - Cullen Sheehan, Coleman campaign manager

What is in my control is to prepare so that when I get to the Senate, I'm ready to go on day one. - Al Franken

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
AdaptAndOvercome
Feb 18, 2009 3:04 AM CST
You know, if Al Gore or even John Kerry had carried on the way this Coleman jackass is, the GOP would have been all over the Democrats for not letting this country move forward..yahta, yahta, blah,blah. But instead, they're desparate to hold on to a seat they know they've lost and they will drag it out, just like asking for Burris to be outed say that they might get a chance to have it be an elected seat in ILL. instead of appointed. Maybe if the GOP worked this hard for the American people instead of for their right wing party propoganda, they would still be in office.
riffran
Feb 12, 2009 5:45 AM CST
ahhh another bitter angry hate spouting rant from the "we care" party.....franken is a tool, and always has been, even before he went political
Guest
Feb 11, 2009 4:28 AM CST
GO AL GO. WE'VE BEEN WAIT TOO LONG FOR YOU TO TAKE OVER AND REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA. EVEN THE DICK HEAD REPUBLICANS.

Franken picks up 23 votes
MSNBC

Spokesman: Franken "working on issues"
Minneapolis Star Tribune

GOP heavy hitters come out for Coleman
The Hill

 
Senate • Norm Coleman • Minnesota • Al Franken • Senate race • Washington, DC • recount

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