(CNN) – Minnesota Senate challenger Al Franken is not conceding his race against incumbent GOP Sen. Norm Coleman.
The two men are separated by less than 600 votes with 100 percent of the precincts reporting. The Associated Press called the race for Coleman Wednesday morning.
"Under Minnesota state law, we will now enter into an automatic statewide canvass and recount," Franken said earlier Wednesday.
"The process, dictated by our laws, will be orderly, fair, and will take place within a matter of days. We won't know for a little while who won this race, but at the end of the day, we will know that the voice of the electorate was clearly heard."
UPDATE: The AP has uncalled the race for Coleman
Read Franken's full prepared statement after the jump
The Secretary of State's office reports that all but nine of Minnesota's 4,130 precincts have reported in. And this race is too close to call, with a margin of just about 1100 votes out of 2.9 million cast. That's four one-hundredths of one percent of the vote. And we expect that when those final nine precincts are counted this morning, that 1100-vote margin will shrink into the hundreds.
Under Minnesota state law, we will now enter into an automatic statewide canvass and recount. It will be the first one since 1962, when I was 11 years old. I remember that year very clearly for two reasons. The recount between Elmer L. Anderson and Karl Rolvaag. And the Gophers were in the Rose Bowl that year.
And we have twice as many ballots to count this time.
Let me be clear: Our goal is to ensure that every vote is properly counted.
The process, dictated by our laws, will be orderly, fair, and will take place within a matter of days. We won't know for a little while who won this race, but at the end of the day, we will know that the voice of the electorate was clearly heard.
There is reason to believe that the recount could change the vote tallies significantly.
Our office and the Obama campaign have received reports of irregularities at various precincts around the state. For instance, some polling places in Minneapolis ran out of registration materials. Our team has been working on those issues for several hours already, and they will continue to do so this morning as the recount process begins.
Let me be clear: This race is too close to call, and we do not yet know who won. We are lucky enough to live in a state with built-in protections to ensure that in close elections like these, the will of the people is accurately reflected in the outcome.
This has been a long campaign, and it's going to be a little longer before we have a winner. Senator Coleman, Senator Barkley, and I have done a lot of talking. Minnesotans have waited a long time to have THEIR say. And thanks to our state's laws, we will eventually understand precisely what they have said.
From CNN Politics
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Go AL FRANKEN
Why would he? He is everything that is wrong with Liberal politics and he has never cared about anything beyond his own political ambitions. I was hoping for Minnesota to decisively defeat this vile human being, but I will be more than content with a victory by Republicans by less than 1000 votes. In some ways that is even sweeter for us and harder for that knucklehead to swallow
A comedian in the Senate. Would that be ironic or accurate?
There is no way in heck that it should even be this close. Even the most Liberal of all Dems have to see what a joke that Franken is, right? I guess not.
Message for Al Franken: You tried; you lost; endure it; and you will get use to it.
This just goes to show how incompetent and ignorant folks in Minnesota really are. No wonder some people from the USA give it a bad name.
Go Al! Take this seat away from the fascists!
I am from Minnesota and I cannot believe the idiots that state elects to office. They appear more liberal than any state in the country and now Franken almost wins.
After the 2000 fiasco, when its this close, it should looked at closely and examined. And as for comedians in the Senate, well we have had one in the White House for eight years havent we?
Me = Obama Supporter
Franken = Crazy
Wow. The bitterness of these posts is overwhelming. Must your opponents be denigrated as vile human beings? Knuckleheads? Isn't it possible that he is another well-intentioned person wanting to serve his country who happens to disagree with you? THIS is what is now most wrong with politics in America.
I'm a democrat and I don't care for Al Franken. I hope he loses.
Any other year this never would have been so close. But, in the meantime, GO AL!
Just in case you forgot. Minnesota elected a professional wrestler as their Governor. So a comedian being elected to the Senate is less of a stretch in my opinion.
A joke? Really? Perhaps you should read Franken's books, "Rush Limbaugh is a Big, Fat Idiot" and "Lies and the Lying Liars that Tell them". Meticulously researched, thoughtful, and polemic. He's not just a comedian, he's been a political animal for years. He'll make a great public servant.
There are election laws to be followed. I hope they are indeed followed and a complete and honest recount will happen.
The good news is that Kathleen Harris is not involved.
Al Franken has been an incredibly intelligent and astute observer of and commentator on politics for much of his life. Sometimes the ones that see reality most clearly must laugh to keep from crying. I think this expression describes him perfectly and I couldn't be happier to have someone in touch with reality so close to representing me.
The fact that this "joker" has a real shot at winning the senate seat shows just how out of touch the Republican party is.
"He has never cared about anything beyond his own political ambitions." I lived in St. Paul when Coleman was mayor – and a DEMOCRAT – that description suits him to a tee!
What's the big deal? We've endured decades of jokers in the White House. Franken is a mere comedian, and not all that funny of one at that.
Let the process run it's course, and accept the outcome. it's as simple as that.
Matt in Dallas, I think it's safe to say that Dumbya, the GOP, and YOU are the jokes this year, n'est-ce pas?
Keep going Al. I want you to STICK IT to O'Reilly. Him and the other Faux News shills (especailly Shammity) will be in shock if you pull this out
I live in MN and voted for Coleman. I cannot believe it was this close. Al Franken is a hack who shouldn't have garnered 10 votes. He has no business being in politics. He wasn't a funny comedian and he would have been a terrible senator.
I truly hope the recount shows Coleman is clearly the better man.
Maybe Franken can get a job on a reality show somewhere. They always hire washed up celebs.
are you people crazy or just uninformed? Coleman is a JOKE.
Franken has solid ideas and plans to HELP the people of MN.
If it wasn't for the 3rd party candidate, Franken would have won handily.
Fight to the END Franken!! Don't let them pull a BUSH 2000 and 2004 on you..Conceded nothing!!!
America (not me) elected a former actor (Reagan) to the presidency...why not a comedian to the Senate? We have seen wrestlers and former beauty queens win govenorships .
IF the GOP thinks that Palin could have been a credible VP, then why not a comedian? LOL!!
Sure sounds like sour grapes, Matt and Noah.
Al Franken is brilliant, and comedians are generally a lot smarter than typical politicians. Good luck Al!
Coleman is a joke and a sexual predator. This is the same state where republican people get caught on cameras saying Obama is an Arab. It is not surprising that the unintelligent out staters vote for Norm.
Matt, failed leaders like George Bush and failed, divisive political parties like the Republicans make people like Franken possible. Without Bush and his disastrous policies and politcal hacks manning the tiller of government, there could be no Al Franken.
correct me if i'm wrong but aren't you guys the ones who voted for a professional wrestler to be your governer? stop and think for 2 seconds before you criticize the left for what you deem as an outrageous candidate.
I personally voted for franken
Ronald Reagan, the right's messiah, was a bad actor before becoming president. I think that being a political satirist, which is an accurate description of Franken's comedic career, makes him far more qualified to hold office. The fact that he is an outspoken liberal and the race is this close just demonstrates the sea change that has taken place in American politics.
"he has never cared about anything beyond his own political ambitions"
This sounds a lot like the Norm Coleman Minnesotans have seen for too long.
When Coleman was a democrat, he should have gotten out of politics.
The state of Minnesota would have been better served if Norm Coleman had never been a politician.
But it is career politicians like Norm Coleman that make up the political landscape of our nation.
*THAT* is the biggest problem with our current political system.
Hey, if you don't live in Minnesota keep your opinions to yourself. Nobody here in this state wants to hear about your support for Al Franken unless you have the right to vote for him. If you don't then shut up.
Oh, come off it. A comedian in the Senate is just what we need. Have you ever watched C-SPAN? It's boring as hell!
Noah et al....Haven't you learned anything yet. The use of "Liberal" as a dirty word doesn't work any more.
I find it repellent that Minnesota reelected that Joseph McCarthy type Bachmann. The loss of Tinklenberg and Franken in their districts doesn't say much for the Minnesotans who live there.
"If by 'Liberal' they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people - their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties - someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a 'Liberal', then I'm proud to say I'm a Liberal"... John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Noah? Is that you Bill O'Reilly?
Fight to the END Franken!! Don't let them pull a BUSH 2000 and 2004 on you..Conceded nothing!!!
America (not me) elected a former actor (Reagan) to the presidency...why not a comedian to the Senate? We have seen wrestlers and former beauty queens win govenorships .
IF the GOP thinks that Palin could have been a credible VP, then why not a comedian? LOL!!
Wow, trully a rout for the Repbulicans if Al wins.
Noah et al....Haven't you learned anything yet. The use of "Liberal" as a dirty word doesn't work any more.
I find it repellent that Minnesota reelected that Joseph McCarthy type Bachmann. The loss of Tinklenberg and Franken in their districts doesn't say much for the Minnesotans who live there.
"If by 'Liberal' they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people - their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties - someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a 'Liberal', then I'm proud to say I'm a Liberal"... John Fitzgerald Kennedy
The problem is Coleman has his own scandels and ethics violations.
GO FRANKEN let the election rules/law work thats why these laws were enacted to clearly settle such issues, let the votes of Minnesota be counted and settled, life goes on.
Noah? Is that you Bill O'Reilly
If you've ever read any of Al Franken's books, you would realize that he is a very smart man and takes the task of governing in the US very seriously. His humour, at least in his books, is based on his frustration with incompetent, self motivated leaders. Like Obama, no matter what a person's background, if they are intelligent, thoughtful and sincere, they must make a better leader than most of the "old boy" republican politicians now in office.
A comedian in the Senate beats the current bad joke in the White House any day.
The only joke is "tinkle down economics", and it is a bad one. It's why we now owe $10,000,000,000,000 to Saudi Arabia and China. That's $3,600 a year out of everyone of our tax dollars in interest alone, every year. Now tell me how are we going to pay the principle?
I am a Dem and a Franken fan, but there is no way he belongs in the Senate. No way, no how, it should not have been this close. He is funny- in fact he is REALLY funny, but funny isn't what we need in D.C.
If he loses he can always go back on Saturday night live and make fun of himself...especially since he looks just like him.
Noah, a bitter republican, who would have thought we would see that today?
A comedian is better than a corrupt one.
I cannot believe this. I am ashamed to call my self a Minnesotan. Minnesota does not need any more liberal politics. The state's welfare economics are beyond comical.
The caption reads the race is in a "..dead head..".
Of course they meant deat heat, but its funny anyway.
I predict Al Franken will contest this election in and out of courts until the bitter end, just the like bitter little man he is.
This Al is no Al of 2000. He will fight
Al will prevail...any state that could elect that nutcase Bachman AGAIN has some making up to do. Go Al!!!!
I would rather have a comedian in the senate than a corrupt weasel like coleman!!!
Hang in there Al. We need someone in the Senate who intentionally humorous, not ignorantly ironic. GOBAMA!
Go, Al!
If you've read his books, he simply holds scoundrels accountable. Al's been intensely involved with politics for nearly his whole life, which sounds a heck of a lot better than a certain ACTOR who ended up in the White House.
From the state that elected Jesse Ventura? How could you expect anything else.
Did you notice the absolutely magnificent concession speech by McCain. Contrast that with Gore and Kerry and the bitterness and hatred they spewed. They are the real Democrats.
Getting beat by a comedian must sting
Franken is the better choice. Coleman is dirty and a loyal Bushie.
Vile human being? You mean, like Bush?
Hahahaha, Minnesota obviously likes him enough to have endorsed and voted for him (at least 42% of them). Its their race and wholly up to them as to who they elect. However, I wonder how this race would go without Senator Barkley in the mix. He obviously marred this election for someone.
if you can't beat Al Franken, perhaps you don't deserve to be in the Senate.
Its really sad to see candidates of such poor quality shoved down our throats, and its even more sad that people line up right behind these partisan bickering morons.
The answer isn't left or right, its dead in the middle.
Last night was clearly and truly a victory for us Democrats !! But I am GREEDY and I WANT IT ALL – HANG IN THERE AL – Absolutely DO NOT Concede !! I was sincerely hoping to see us Democrats hit the magic number of 60 seats in the Senate so that we can be 100% filibuster-proof from that crooked Republican Party. The GOP is the most crooked party around. I see some folks referring to the GOP as facists and some referring to them as communists – to me they are just plain, rotten CROOKS !!
Vile human being?A joke? Comedian? For a second there I thought you were talking about Dubya, but you left out retarded, delusional, inept, lazy, incompetent, simple-minded, insane, dimwitted and moronic.
Franken became famous as a comedian by getting people to laugh at themselves. This indicates he is familiar with human behavior.
He became well known in politics because be was able to call
bad politician's on their bad behavior.
The results of this election show that most Minnesotans are not
in favor of Coleman.
I don't know that much about Franken but I've read a couple of his books and he's a very funny guy. He seems really smart and knows a lot about politics. I guess if he has a feel for what matters to people in Minnesota, he could be a very good senator. I would say if he can keep himself out of airport bathrooms looking for sex, he would automatically be better than at least one other man already in the Senate.
Jared said: "Go Al! Take this seat away from the fascists!"
Glad to see the bi-partisanship and reaching across the aisle has already started...
Fascists? To borrow a line from "The Princess Bride" – "I do not think that word means what you think it means"
The recount is required by law in this close election. The truth is important. If Coleman wins after the recount, so be it.
Yet another example that Every Vote Counts.
571. That's the difference. So yeah, we need a recount.
GO AL FRANKEN!!!
The AP has uncalled the race, you pathetic Republican hack.
Stand your ground till all is accounted for Al!
It shouldn't have been that close, but it was, due to the incompetence of how the Republicans have handled the country over the last 8 years.
They elected a pro wrestler as Governor, so a comedian isn't that far out of line.
However, this is no joke and every vote needs to be counted (again). Just remember Florida in 2000 for Gore. That was a turning point in our history, in the wrong way. Let's not repeat that mistake.
Al has the right for asking the votes to be recounted. There are procedures for it in Minnesota, so why now. Nobody lost if it was a tie ... But then again I don't use "conservative mathmatics" to form my conclusions either.
rock on obama. you did and awsome job
Good Luck, AL, hope you get the Senate seat you are seeking.,
Change has come... Regardless of what happens with Minnesota, you can already see that the people all over the country have clearly spoken and overwhelmingly given their support to liberal politicians - that is right, LIBERALS.
Eight years of disastrous Bush misrule, full of conservative stubbornness, unchecked CEO-centered economics (what happened to the workers?!), and rampant fear-mongering are coming to an end.
A decade ago you could scare people by screaming, "OMG, s/he's a Liberal!" as if it were the worst insult ever. Well, after last night, that's not gonna fly any more.
Liberals are here to stay. Being a Liberal is being American. Deal with it. You can scream "Liberal this, liberal that," all you want, but that will not sit well with over sixty (60!) million voters who cast their ballots on Nov. 4 for a liberal Democratic President (and over 50 liberal Senators).
So just a small tip for the Republicans: if you want to win in the future, you might want to rethink your old fear-mongering strategies that rely on making people scared of "Liberals," "blacks," "immigrants," "gays," "Mexicans," and the list goes on... That stuff's not gonna work any more.
those who laugh first get laughed at last as my wise grandmother always said ,noah.
Give 'em hell, Al. Hope to see you in the Senate.
Why does everyone say that because he was a comedian that he can't be our senator? I don't see why not, better a down to earth, intelligent, hilarious comedian than a political machine. Especially better than Norm Coleman. I love Al and I'm still hoping that he takes this one. They better count my absentee ballot!
Al Franken is a brilliant thinker and a sincere patriot. He has run his campaign with honesty and clean politics. How rare! It seems like the sore losers in America are focusing on Franken now, in the hopes that they can steal at least one more election, just like the old days. Well, I for one, hope that Al wins this one, just to piss off the bloggers who have slandered him.
omg.......i hope frankenstein doesnt win...next we should have rush in office too or mayb o reily....theres a point to where we should learn that some people artb polaticians...franky,,,,arnald...and a certain past mn gov are great reasons why we should not put people in that are actors , entertainers or talkshow hosts....they dont do well
Al Franken is a wonderful human being, he doesn't epitomize anything more than that!
Norm Coleman is a dirty politician, and Al Franken is in a split vote with an Independent taking votes away from him, and he's less than 1000 votes in margin, with over a million votes counted. in VA in 2006, the difference between senators was 5000, giving jim webb the win, and the republican's certainly voiced opposition over that.
There is no way in heck that it should even be this close. Even the most Conservative of all Repubs have to see what a joke that Coleman is, right? I guess not.
Fired up and ready to go! Stop hating you sad pathetic angry for no reason dogs. you are now barking up the wrong tree put a muzzel on it and shut the hell up. Can't you see that your hateful thoughts are not welcomed or honored get use to change and step into the now. being a bigot gets you nowhere fast. So go to sleep haters and while you are taking your nap sleep on the fact that a BLACK key word MAN is the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Peace
Franken?? You have got to be kidding me. Then again any state that would elect someone like Jesse "The body" Ventura as their Gov would not surprise me at all.
Minnesota, it is time to be serious about politics. Next it will be Garrison Keilor.
If you can elect Jesse Ventura, Ronald Reagan, The Govinator... why NOT Al Franken?
My god, if you can stomach Michelle Bachmann, ANYONE else would HAVE to be better.
Good god, first we lay off Movie Stars now Politicians?
Please dont tell me Franken really wants to get into politics, the guy was as radical as Fidel Castro.
Whats next Adam Sandler for Prez?
Well clearly Franken would be a "99% improvement" over Norm Coleman. GO AL!
Yeah! The "funny guy" want to improve public schools, research renewabyl energy, and make sure ALL children have health insurance. What a despcable person – let's get him!
Al Franken is actually a Harvard graduate, not 'just' a comedian. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this turns out. Norm Coleman was Bush's buttboy until it became convenient to speak out against him.
Al Franken would be the worst senator ever. He would make MN the laughing stock of Democracy. At least Coleman has dignity and grace. Franken has anger and spite. Stuart Smalley should go back under his rock now.
Would a re-vote ever be completed because of irregularities at various precincts around the state? For instance, some polling places in Minneapolis ran out of registration materials.
Go Al! After what happened 4 yrs ago in Ohio I think it is really important that you stay in there and insist that there be a recount under Minn State Law. I think it is so important that to follow this up not just for Minnesota but, for the nation!
Gopher from the Love Boat used to be in Congress, Fred Gandy.
Sony Bono made it as well.
Nothing suprises me anymore.
I wonder if most of those that say the word "liberal" with such venom read the policy goals of those they vote for, or just buy into the short sighted view that all folks left of center are out to ruin the American way of life.
I am an independant myself, and was hoping Ron Paul would split his organization off into a viable third party, I was hoping more folks would join this way of thinking where we actually take a long hard look at each candidate based on their policies and merits, but it seems the quick and easy labels are what matters the most to our fast food nation.
I am no liberal, but Frankly, if liberal is the opposite of what we've had for the past eight years, sign me up.
Good luck Mr. Obama, you will need it.
My in Laws live Minn and they say, hang in there and demand a recount