Franken Takes Lead by 250 Votes

(NEWSER) - Al Franken may have moved a decisive step closer to the Senate today, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. A three-judge panel ruled that only 400 disputed absentee ballots will be reviewed, making it highly unlikely that Norm Coleman will be able to erase Franken's 225-seat margin in the Minnesota race. Any new ballots deemed eligible will be counted April 7. After that, Coleman is expected to go to the state Supreme Court and possibly the Supreme Court itself. More»

(NEWSER) - The Minnesota recount trial is finally out of the lawyers’ hands, with both sides claiming certain victory, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Now the judges will weigh evidence provided by Norm Coleman’s and Al Franken’s teams and decide exactly which votes to count. “It’s more likely than not,” a Coleman lawyer said, that 1,360 rejected ballots are actually valid. More»

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

(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! More»

Al Franken's request to block Coleman case rejected

(NEWSER) - A panel of Minnesota judges has rejected Al Franken's request to dismiss Norm Coleman's lawsuit challenging the recount in the state's Senate race, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune. A trial that may last for weeks is set to start Monday to weigh Coleman's claims of widespread irregularities in the recount that gave his opponent a squeaker-thin 225-vote lead. More»

Washington is latest stage for Minnesota combatants

(NEWSER) - As Al Franken’s lawyers asked a Minnesota court to dismiss Norm Coleman’s challenge to election results there, both Senate hopefuls traveled to Washington today meet with party leaders, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. “The race in Minnesota is over with,” Harry Reid said after conferring with Democrat Franken about committee assignments. “Reports of my defeat are greatly exaggerated,” said Coleman after meeting with GOP senators. More»