November 20, 2008
Posted: November 20th, 2008 10:04 AM ET

From
Coleman and Franken are separated by less than 200 votes.
Coleman and Franken are separated by less than 200 votes.

(CNN) – Vote recounting resumes Thursday in Minnesota in the battle for Norm Coleman's US Senate seat. The recount kicked off yesterday and could extend into next month.

Unofficial results from the November 4th election put Coleman, a freshman Republican senator, just 215 votes ahead of his Democratic challenger, Al Franken, known across the country from his days on Saturday Night Live and from his years as a talk show host on Air America, the progressive radio network. The slim margin for Coleman, far less than one half of one percent, triggered an automatic recount, the first time there's ever been a recount of a US senate race in Minnesota.

Now election officials, at 107 sites across Minnesota, are beginning the long process of recounting all of the ballots. They're surrounded by election observers and lawyers from both campaigns, and the media.

According to the Secretary of State's office, 15.49 percent of the more than 2.9 million votes cast in the election were recounted yesterday. It appears Franken made a dent of 43 votes into Coleman's lead of 215, according to the results posted on the Secretary of State's website. The site also reports that 115 ballots were challenged by Coleman's camp and 106 by Franken's camp.

The recount will extend well into December. The recount sites across Minnesota have a deadline of the first week of December to report their results. After that the state's canvassing board meets to rule on disputed ballots and to certify the election. And after that, if one side is not happy with the results, legal action could be possible.

Filed under: Al Franken • Norm Coleman


BeauMan   November 20th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Love this part of the article, "... a talk show host on Air America, the progressive radio network. " Progressive? Let's try the words "Whacked-out Liberal"! Regardless, what in the world is happening to Minnesota?

Jean from Belgium   November 20th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Surprising: the whole world remember the stealing votes by the Replucans in 2000. And in 2004 something similar happened.
The price has been high. The world became worse. Rep. like wars and shoot where possible a.s.a.p.!!! The world became less safer.
Common sense, please?

Jen   November 20th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

I thought Democrats were the "sensitive" and "open-minded" party. All I see is name-calling and hatefulness, the same things you jumped all over McCain for. Anyway, no one is trying to steal an election. It's just a recount, and Coleman will probably prevail. But I am seriously sick of people who get on these posts, and do nothing but spout hate. I vote Republican, and surprisingly, I am not a "hillbilly", redneck, uneducated, religiously fanatical moron. I hold nothing against Obama, I just liked McCain's policies better. There is nothing wrong with that. That is my privilege as an American. And I know that not all Democrats are tree-hugging, America-hating hippies. One of the things that makes America so great is that we can have differing beliefs and not have any repercussions for it. Alot of people seem to have forgotten that. Anyway, I'll probably get attacked left and right for those comments.

True Blue   November 20th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Enough of Normie, And that witch Michelle Bachmann .

Milhouse van Houten   November 20th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

This circus just may well take up enough time and resource that they
will be able to declare a winner in time for the 2012 senate battles.

matt   November 20th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

ANYONE WHO AGREES WITH AL FRANKEN IDIOT OR OSAMA OBAMA ARE SOCIALIST COMMUNIST AND WILL FIND OUT JUST HOW HARD THE CONSERVATIVE AMERICANS ARE WILLING TO FIGHT ....WORDS ARE JUST THE START

Valerie   November 20th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

you want someone like Al Franken in the senate? the guy is a joke. and you know the Democrats are stealing the election once again. and please, Dems, get OVER Florida, you know you lost!!

DJ   November 20th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Next indictment – Al Franken for tax evasion. Should not have been eligible ro run for office.

Chris   November 20th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

This race has turned into a frothy mixture of Santorum!

Texas Trail Kitty   November 20th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Go Al. President Obama needs your support too. We've got to clean as much of the stench of the Republican Party out as possible. The more Democrats, the less foot dragging the Republicans can get away with. Of course, if their foot dragging succeeds they will then say that President Obama is ineffectual, instread of saying we're blocking his programs.

Danny in Chicago   November 20th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

If Franken wins it'll be another great blow to Big Brother!

Big Brother MUST die. We deserve our God Given Rights!!!

Jay   November 20th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Thank you, Kevin. That was the most intelligent thing I have about this fiasco since it started

DL   November 20th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Get a grip, this ISN'T representative of DEMOCRACY.

This is THUGOCRACY at it's blatant best.

WORSE STILL, this process of fraud remains largely UNCHALLENGED by the LESS than OBJECTIVE MEDIA.

minnesota   November 20th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

I actually want Franken to win; then you liberals can have the whole enchilada. If things go wrong which I am very sure they will, then you liberal clowns will own the whole complete catastrophy. No more blaming the conservatives then. We will have our crack at you clowns again as history has shown.

Hoosier Phil   November 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

There is one contest Norm Coleman can win hands down....

It's the "Matt Damon in 25 Years Look-Alike Contest"

Tell him what he's won, Johnny!

WWOD?   November 20th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Obama supporters in this thread could take a page from his campaign playbook. When being unfairly attacked, he seemed even more focused and motivated to stay the course (props to GHWB) and fight the good fight. We should be doing he same - not dropping the gloves and engaging with those of a different opinion, but focusing on the matter at hand: supporting effective change any way we can.

There will always be contrary thinkers - it is their right. It takes a person with the courage of their convictions to not respond by reducing the dialogue to a hateful level. If we learned anything from this election, it is that when you need to resort to personal criticism, you are probably desparate...and losing.

Barbara   November 20th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

The Democrats are not cheating. It is impossible for me to understand how the Republicans think. When the Floridians cheated in the previous election, everything was superb. They should know that following that fiasco the Democrats would be alerted to what might be going on. Al Franken is within 215 votes of Norm Coleman. He needs to check. The Republicans are known to CHEAT. Many times I have checked a news broadcast, and have asked others to give their spill on it. When the Republicans gave their spill, I wonder what did they actually hear.

Nancy   November 20th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Coleman looks like a manequin with those dentures in his mouth!

Gekonge   November 20th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Did i hear Coleman is being investigated for corruption? Anyone who has more information on this please share it with us. All i know Coleman loves the Stevens felon from Alaska, and Coleman loved to fish in Alaska sounds fishy to me

Deanna, MS   November 20th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

I hope Al wins because America will win. I'm sick of the Republicans. All they think about is themselves, and they're pretty selfish. The only reason they're thinking about CHANGE (hello) is because of Barack and the rest of the country. If they had it their way, they'd keep us in the dark with antiquated Reagan views, while waisting our money. The country has changed, but they haven't.

Dave, Central Illinois   November 20th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

The Dems will want another recount if Franken doesn't get it this time. And, following the example of Gore in Florida, they will only want the recount in Dem-leaning counties. Honestly, what kind of Demwit would vote for an idiot like Franken?

Charlie in Maine   November 20th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

You are good enough, you are smart enough. And Doggonnit people voted for you.
PS. Riddle: What does the Republican party have in common with our comments?

A= They are both awaiting moderation.
Good luck to the GOP my comments will be moderated before they will.

Leah from FL   November 20th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Hey Kevin from KC – guess what – your statement is utterly wrong. ask Al Gore about the FL 2000 presidential elections.

mark   November 20th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

It's amazing how the repubs are crying "foul" even before the legally-required recount is complete. Seems to me that all past questions on vote recounts and suppression have always been aimed at dems (FL 2000; OH 2004). So, Gary, take your "dems are cheating" and shove it up your ballot!

Irony   November 20th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Count every vote! Only unpatriotic anti-americans want to call it "good enough"

Neither should concede until it's all done.

Tim   November 20th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Actually, Kevin from KC, uneducated voters vote Republican...

JRS   November 20th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

The RepubliKKKan Party is on the way out. You racist, hate-mongering RepubliKlansmen get used to being a sad page in the history books.

RobK   November 20th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

If Franken doesn't win with this recount, the Democrats will just keep recounting until he does. Just like in Washington state 4 years ago in the governor's race.

Get over it   November 20th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

And they will keep counting until Franken wins it, just like they did in Washington state 2 years ago. The republican there won the 1st 3 vote recounts and then lost on the 4th and the democrat was declared the victor. Talk about stealing an election.

Larry   November 20th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

CNN-How could Franken make gains ,if they just started the recount?

Leo   November 20th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

To all my Conservative compadres. Do not fret. After Clinton's third term is up and the country has gotten worse than it is now, we will be back in the White House.

Hannity/Palin 2012!

Chris, Oakbrook Terrace, IL   November 20th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

I don't see how anyone can claim the Dems are cheating, this is a legel thing under MN law. Also, all of you who claim it's stupid to elect an entertainer, I point out that President Reagen was an actor...was that a stupid move? Or does it only count as stupid when the actor is a Democrat?

sean alleyne   November 20th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

here are two losers, there is no winner.

Wanda in Montana   November 20th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Al IS good enough, smart enough, and doggonit we the people like him!

I'm cheering for Al! He wrote "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot" and "Lies and the Lying Liars who Tell Them." He's the REAL straight talk express.

But then again I'm an idiot   November 20th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Al Franken is my hero.

patriot   November 20th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Ian-Minneapolis: What do you mean, Coleman "won at first"?? He did not. The first vote was certified, and the margin was small enough to prompt an automatic recall. No one has won yet–we won't know that until the recount is completed.

Debby   November 20th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Franken is a joke and there are some pretty shady voting going on in that state if Franken has gotten this far.

SNAPPA   November 20th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

ON THE FALL OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY:

DEATH TO THE AMERICAN TALIBAN!! WE don't need morality police in this country, we don't need a bunch of hypocrytes saying one thing and doing another. I've seen people being beaten on the streets of Iran and Afghanastan because someone didn't like what you were doing something so simple as holding your boyfriends hand, this country will never go down that road.

Whlie we are at it its time to drop this insane practice of letting cult institutions like christians and mormons going TAX EXEMPT since they invovle themselves in politics and campaigning then its done.

Beverly in NC   November 20th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Franken will win. The Republican Party is finished. They either need to get rid of the religious nutjobs with their hypocritical "Christian" values and throw out all the entire old white men leadership. They to get a grip on the "real" America and it has absolutely nothing to do with their current credo. They are clueless, out-of-touch, and Americans have rejected them completely yet they continue to spread hatred and defend the corruptness they are so famous for.

They are the Party of values???? They are deluded.

Ken   November 20th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Yes Kevin from KC, because we all know had the situation been reversed the democrats would be screaming bloody murder and demanding investigations.

That is, after they got done burning buildings and smashing cars.

Ken   November 20th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Gosh, they just keep finding new votes at every turn!! I can't imagine why!!!

The democrats are truly the lowest form of life on earth. The ends justify the means to them.

God help us all.

Kathy S. Cloughn   November 20th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Minnesota often has three candidates so to have a runoff makes no sense. However, voting for your second choice may make sense. Minnesota law makes the recount mandatory anyway. There is history here. Coleman stole the last election when his opponent, the very popular Paul Wellstone was killed right before election day.

No hearts will be broken if Coleman loses. His own neighborhood is full of Franken signs.

Franken, by the way, is not just a comedian, he and his wife are Harvard grads, very interested in politics and very smart. He will be a great senator.

Minnesotan for Franken

Lynn, MI   November 20th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Franken would make a good senator. He's not only an entertainer – he's the author of insightful, best-selling books about political topics. He communicates his views in an understandable, readable manner.

Independent   November 20th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Kevin from KC: Interesting theory. Do you have a source?

Trish Hussein - PA   November 20th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

I hope Frankin wins. The repugs have their Arnold, God Bless there silly little souls. We need an Al Frankin in our party. The guy might surprise you. At least he will put a little humor into the terrible state of the world. Remember, this is the guy who penned the masterpiece, "Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot." He can't be all that bad.

Arariel   November 20th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

60!

Debbie   November 20th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Republicans just hate it when all the votes are counted.

DX in TX   November 20th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

One, two, three, four...is that a 5 or an 8? Oh shoot, I have to start over...Let's be done with this already

Aliou   November 20th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Regan was a comedian remember? sour loser!

Joe Regis   November 20th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

The Dems need to get to at least 60 for now and 65 senators later, and then to stabilise at around 70 senators in subsequent elections. The repubs should have about lest than 1/3 of the senate seats in the chamber for about 2 decades; time enough to adjust thier policies.

Aliou   November 20th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

go al.

Jeff   November 20th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Are you friggin kidding me? Al Franken – what a joke.

W O W WO W   November 20th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

ACORN,,,,,,,,,,VOTER,,,,,,,,,,,FRAUD

creighton   November 20th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Once again the GOPers display their ignorance and attempt to distort the facts. The only news and opinion they get comes from El Rushbo, Hannity, O'Reily.

The State law of Minnesota requires the vote be recounted, due to the closeness of the election. Coleman declaring victory is an affront to the laws of his own state.

Get a grip you right wingnuts.

Go AL!!!!

Latina-Indepedent-4-OBAMA   November 20th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

@ GARY......... And what would you call "Florida 2000" ....... the Democrats have never been jailed for voter fraud! But......... look up Allen Raymond, a former-GOP-operative who wrote the book "HOW TO RIG AN ELECTION" ........THEN .......talk about cheating!

Todd   November 20th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

I live in Minnesota and Coleman has been a very ineffective senator, he doesn't deserve to be re-elected. I hope Franken gets a chance and if he blows it he will be elected out. Coleman went astray by paying more attention to his own political aspirations (Bush Lapdogging and chasing Kofi Anon). He should have been focused on the state he was elected to serve.

Sylvie Flynn   November 20th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

The recount is legaly mandated! Stop whinning!

Dave   November 20th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

dejah thoris- where do you think the right wing learned to piss and moan? from the left. they both do it so well.
get real everyone. you are being duped by the two party scam.

JoeBrown   November 20th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Go Franken! I hope he wins this recount. There are large numbers of 'rejected' ballots that were not counted in the biggest democrat counties since the machines could not read them. What's up with republicans always trying to go to court to throw out ballots?

Dave   November 20th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Of course, the fix is in.

Rick   November 20th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

In the period of time when Coleman's lead dropped from about 600 votes to just over 200 votes, despite 100% of the votes having been counted, there were 3 times as many error/changes reported in favor of Franken than for any other candidate in MN. This is also the closest race. Can anyone spell F-R-A-U-D ???

Nobody Has Won Yet!   November 20th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Coleman has not won the election. There is no certifiable winner. While the results from the Nov. 4 election were certified and show Coleman with a slight lead, his lead was not big enough to prevent an automatic recount BY LAW. The candidate in the lead after the recount is certified will be the winner.

BTW, I just love "Law and Order" Republicans who only care about law and order when it applies to somebody else.

trying to be reasonable in WV   November 20th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Let the votes be counted carefully and in accordance with Minnesota law. Let the process by supervised by neutral or partisan-balanced observers. Then let the loser and his supporters shut the heck up.

On with the business of the country!!!!

dejah thoris   November 20th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

What an impressive bunch of sore-loser right-wing commenters in here. The recount is legally mandated, so all your pissy whining about people stealing a vote is misguided. NO wonder the GOP is losing face among Americans - all you can do is piss and moan.

Kevin from KC   November 20th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Some people on here are just plain ignorant. Recounts ALWAYS favor Democrats, because undervotes (marking the ballot wrong) typically come from demographics that vote Democratic, such as first time voters and lower educated voters.

There is no mischief going on here, they're simply following Minnesota STATE LAW to determine the intent of voters who "undervoted."

All you conspiracy nuts need to take a chill pill.

Connie   November 20th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Go, Al!

Anna, Missouri   November 20th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Pete, actually, I am a "recovering" republican that was stupid enough to vote for Bush in 2000, personally I was for McCain in 2000. I didn't vote in 2004 due to health, and am now a proud Obamacan. The earlier the Republicans learn that there are many of us out there that are sick of the neocons and the religious right wing, the better chance they have of winning us back. McCain made the mistake of going to the right and that is why he didn't get my vote. I made that decision before ever hearing of Palin, but she was just more proof of why the Republicans are in so much trouble.

Ian Minneapolis, MN   November 20th, 2008 11:57 am ET

I voted libertarian!

hilary   November 20th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Gee, this could go on until 2012.

Liberal and Proud of It   November 20th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Let us all hope that the recount is accurate and that the true winner is also the declared winner. Let us all hope also that the Democrat is the true winner. America can no longer afford the destructive political force called Conservatism. Conservatives of days gone by were against the abolition of slavery, the vote for women, the vote for minorities, equal rights for women, equal rights for minorities, the 40 hour week, the 8 hour day, medical benefits for poor children, affordable day care, equal pay for women (got that, Ladies?), medicare, medicaid, social security, regulation of corporations (self-regulation is best they said), regulation of the credit industry (ditto), inspection of imported food, and purchasing cheap prescription drugs from Canada (where they regulate). Not a record to be proud of.

Scott   November 20th, 2008 11:54 am ET

What's happening in Minnesota and in Georgia should be enough to demonstrate that every state needs to adopt Georgia's policy: If no one gets to 50% of the vote, do a run-off election with just the top two finishers. So much easier than this mess that's going on up in MN, where no matter who ends up winning, the other side will spend the next six years yelling "fraud!"

tom   November 20th, 2008 11:53 am ET

mike cairo-–like the idiot entertainer ronny (senile )reagan

Ian Minneapolis, MN   November 20th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Coleman won at first...if it's anyone stealing the election....it would be franken. Now I'm more of a moderate liberal...but I believe that America is about check and balance. We can't have an all democratic government. We saw what happened when it was all republican. We need it fair and balanced. Washington was right, Political Parties is DESTROYING this country.

JJ 123454   November 20th, 2008 11:50 am ET

All of you that keep calling the GOP crooks, you are in for disappointment. Democrats are crooks as well, they are POLITICIANS. They are all crooks.

Jack   November 20th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Pete, re: Florida – Where do you get your history? Talk about denial...

frodo   November 20th, 2008 11:50 am ET

politics is a joke, so we should elect a comedian..
Go Al!!

Maybe that'll teach congress to mess with the public with bailouts and whimsical spending of our tax money. Now if Al wins we can at least explain that it was all really a joke on us....

frodo   November 20th, 2008 11:50 am ET

politics is a joke, so we should elect a comedian..
Go Al!!

Maybe that'll teach congress to mess with the public with bailouts and whimsical spending of our tax money. Now if Al wins we can at least explain that it was all really a joke on us...

Shrimp Barnicles, NJ   November 20th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Franken is waisting his time. He will not win even if the votes are tallied 50 times. He should better start looking for vacancy at Saturday Night Live.

TyWebb   November 20th, 2008 11:45 am ET

"Because I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me."

Dave G, Minneapolis   November 20th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Good to see such a tight race between two jokers...
Neither can claim a mandate given that 15% voted for the independent candidate Barkley.
And it's funny to hear either side saying the other is stealing votes...they are both using the same tactics against each other!

Mike Cairo,NY   November 20th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Another joke from the state who brought you Gov. Ventura. Someday, maybe, the folks out there will wake up and realize they're making fools of themselves when they elect an "entertainer."

cat   November 20th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Fight all you want Al Franken is going to win...That's just the way it is.
Nothing Coleman can do about it.

Rick   November 20th, 2008 11:41 am ET

It's the democrat way....lie, cheat and steal until you win.

Michael -Ventura,CA   November 20th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Go Franken! Same results as in Alaska!!

Biff   November 20th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Christine....

LMAO.....

thanks

don   November 20th, 2008 11:37 am ET

Go Franken! Do not let them steal any more elections.

Pete   November 20th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Anna,

If in fact it is true that the counters have to seek the intent of the voters, then it looks like your boy will win. For only democrats can't figure out how to fill out a ballot.

And by the way, the ones who were trying to steal the election in Florida were the democrats. The Republicans won the original vote and every single recount done by the liberal media after the fact. The democrats only wanted recounts in the areas where they did well, and luckily the Supreme Court prevented them from doing so. When that recount fiasco was going on it was a circus. With democrats holding the ballots up to a light to see if they could see any signs of light between the dots connecting the chad to the ballot under Gore's name, and if they did, they interpreted that as an intent to vote for Gore.

Change we can all believe in!

Dylan, Los Angeles   November 20th, 2008 11:34 am ET

Wow – this has got to be the closest Senate contest in history.

Pete   November 20th, 2008 11:30 am ET

CNN, Air America is not known as a progressive radio network, it's known as a liberal radio network. Big difference.

pat huntington ny   November 20th, 2008 11:30 am ET

will those claiming the dems are stealing this election, please explain in detail, how that is so? It's not surprising that a visual hand recount of these ballots are changing the results. Machines did not read all the ballots. Some people did not completely fill in their scan-tron sheets. But since the law requires a recount, and that the intention of the voter counts, these votes which could not be read by the machines, but who's intention can readily be ascertained by a visual inspection thereof, are properly being counted. So, again, please explain in full, articulate detail, how the dems are stealing this one? Otherwise, pick up all your toys, and go home!

Truth Hurts   November 20th, 2008 11:28 am ET

I know vote fraud did not come out somebody mouth. 2000 and 2004 was major vote fraud on the conservative part!!

Triggidy   November 20th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Put them in a sawdust pit. The man who walks out is the Senator from Minnesota.

Vigla   November 20th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Franken will win this thing ultimately. He is the right person to take over for the late Paul Wellstone. Coleman only won because Wellstone was killed in a plane crash.

Waukone   November 20th, 2008 11:22 am ET

Why when a Dem asks for a recount but when a Repu asks for a recount it is justice???

If there is someone who thinks that every vote doesn't make a difference remember 2008.

Count all votes all the time.

Chip   November 20th, 2008 11:22 am ET

It would be nice if the CNN filter could be used in Congress for the next four years. Just add to each piece of legislation submitted by Pelosi and her left leaning ilk, Your amendments and legislation are awaiting moderation.

That could save all of us!

Jenny   November 20th, 2008 11:21 am ET

Dorothy: Votes can change when they are hand counted because the scanner most probably missed some votes. They can be missed because the pencil marks were to pale or the circle not completely filled in. If the counters can see clearly what the voter's intentions were, then they will be added to the count.

it's as simple as that..... nothing sinister at all.

And Steve... about voter fraud, I think the republicans still wears the crown regarding that puppy.

GObama!!!   November 20th, 2008 11:21 am ET

It is very possible that Chambliss is going to lose the run off, making Martin 59.

I can't wait till Franken is 60

Alan   November 20th, 2008 11:21 am ET

It seems there are several severely confused Republicans visiting this blog. It was the REPUBLICANS who mastered stealing elections. Remember? The REPUBLICANS.

You might be upset if Franken wins. You might say he's a joke. But the guy is a serious contender.

Given the way you apparently feel about him (Republicans), just keep in mind...it is YOUR PARTY that has screwed things up so badly that Al Franken even had this shot.

Just think about it - your party messed up so badly even a COMEDIAN can give a sitting incumbant senator a real run for his money.

Again - it's the REPUBLICANS that did this to you. YOUR PARTY.

tom   November 20th, 2008 11:20 am ET

funny how you hear all the repugs talk about the dems cheating when bush would have never had been elected if not for jeb bush cheating for his brother king george. come on republicans you had your chance and you drove this nation into the ground and made us the laughing stalk around the world. we americans have spoken and we dont want bible thumping war mongering republicans anymore.

GM from MN   November 20th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Spencer/NY to VA November 20th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Let's say it all together……..Fillibuster Proof

-----–

I know it will all come down to GA on Dec.2 if Franken wins here.

Lookin' good.

Anna, Missouri   November 20th, 2008 11:18 am ET

I love it when all of the Rebublicans are worried about Dems stealing an election. Maybe a little "projection" going on here? Anyway, MN has laws that state they must seek "intention" of the voter, which means that if a voter circle a name, or put an X in a box or circle instead of filling it in, the machine may have kicked it out, but now the hand counters will have to count that vote. No hanging chads here folks, just an honest mistake by some voters, and now their vote will count.

Jonathan   November 20th, 2008 11:17 am ET

As a displaced Minnesotan, I know my state is crazy, but seriously... is it not suspicious that every time the votes are recounted, it is in Franken's favor?

GM from MN   November 20th, 2008 11:17 am ET

I like how the GOP sit there and says that the Dems are trying to "steal" this election.

It seems to me that the GOP are challenging more votes than the Dems.

I hope Coleman loses by one vote just to smite you losers.

Tom in Delaware   November 20th, 2008 11:16 am ET

It's like this...if Franken wins this race, it will be the opening of the Seventh Seal.

Symbolically speaking, that is.

cmgmaggie   November 20th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Steve:
What a joke! Steal this? You kidding me? 200 votes separates them out of 2million cast. One errant machine, and Franken could be ahead by 2000. This baby's a tossup. Don't start with your Republican vile – we already have heard enough of it from Palin.

Neal   November 20th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Recount win for Dems, give GOP some of their own 2000 medicine!

Daniel   November 20th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Oh this is rich, watching "Steve" talk about voter fraud like it's endemic to the Democratic Party. Reality check on aisle 3...

Honestly, I don't really care who wins this, I just don't want a long, protracted legal hullaballoo.

MD, TX   November 20th, 2008 11:14 am ET

Way to go ACORN. Bring those ballots in from Chicago!

The New Civil War has begun (Sons of the Founders vs. The Socialists)   November 20th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Oh look! Here are some more votes I found in the truck of my dad's old broken down abandoned car! And lookie there... they all support Al Franken! How convenient!

No voter fraud here. Nothing to see here. Move along. There aren't the droids you're looking for.

Marie   November 20th, 2008 11:08 am ET

It's just a recount to make sure every vote that is cast is counted. That's democracy folks. The other side bar comments by both parties and bloggers is the real circus. Counting every vote with clear intent is not being corrupt or crooked.

Jason   November 20th, 2008 11:08 am ET

All it took for me to dislike Coleman was to see his after election speech. His ego must reach to outer space, even with his statement on how Franken should give up his right to a recount. Does he not know that Franken isn't the one who initiates the recount with it being that close? Do you really want Coleman who doesn't know state law to be your senator again??

JImmy boy   November 20th, 2008 11:07 am ET

how dare the dems cheat by having every vote counted...we should just do the republican thing and get courts to appoint officials

Pat F   November 20th, 2008 11:03 am ET

No kidding, Dee! Wrestlers, comics – what's next, Jo Jo the dog-faced boy?

Doug   November 20th, 2008 11:03 am ET

What a perfect solution to congress – put a comedian in there! They all act like one anyway.

Burton   November 20th, 2008 11:03 am ET

The thing is...I still can't understand how there can be so many ignorant, hateful, bigoted, selfish, self-entitled, arrogant and deceitful people supporting the Republican dogma.

Anna, ATL   November 20th, 2008 11:02 am ET

Is it me or do these two qualify for a 'separated at birth' comparison?

I agree, Dee. From Wrestlers to Jokers, the otherwise beautiful state of Minnesota really knows how to put Characters on their Ballot!

Luke Brown, Charleston SC   November 20th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Hmmm ... Those voters who oppose Franken because he is just a washed up SNL comedian are the same crowd who voted for a washed up B-grade Hollywood actor to be our President.

Doggone it Stuart ... you're good enough for me. Good luck in Washington.

Don   November 20th, 2008 11:01 am ET

I just hope Franken does not have his friends counting the votes. Better yet we hope there are no ACORN people there or have the Dems forgotten about them?

Truth Hurts   November 20th, 2008 11:01 am ET

You GO Franken!! Maybe the true numbers will come out this time around in the re-count!! We are 2 seats closer to a fillbuster proof Senate!! Even if we only get 1 seat out of these two races. There are 2 independents who are leaning toward Dems and we can get at least 1 or 2 republicans to cross over.

Tired of W, OH   November 20th, 2008 11:00 am ET

@Steve & Gary

How are the dems cheating? By following Minnesota's law of a mandatory recount? Didn't you notice that Coleman is challenging more votes than Frankin? You're just mad that everyone's wise to the republican voter suppression tactics.

Dems rock the vote, while repubs block the vote.

Al, NY NY   November 20th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Steve and Gary both say that this will be a stolen election if Franken wins. If the proverbial shoe were on the other foot, these 2 Faux News, Oxycotin-addict loving lemmings (dittoheads) would be talking out of the other side of their crooked mouths. I would love to see Franken win just so those right wing schills (Levin, w#ore Coulter, OReilly, Shammity) would have to call him Mr Senator

Cynthia   November 20th, 2008 10:59 am ET

I think people forget that there are crooks on both sides of the aisle. Have you all forgotten about William Jefferson?!?

Go Coleman, we do not need Frankenstein representing us good people here in Minnesota.

The voter fraud in this election here in MN will be exposed.

Kel in Auburn, AL   November 20th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Let's go Franken!

The Democrats are the party that says "we'll use government to make your lives better". The Republicans are the party that says "government does't work", then they get elected and prove it.

Throw the rascals out!

Independent for Obama (so far)   November 20th, 2008 10:58 am ET

The people who vote straight ticket whether Democrat or Republican are all a bunch of idiots.

How can you say one party is all good and the other party is all bad?

You have to look at the individual running for office and see what he/she stands for. If not you betray your ignorance.

Partisans will destroy this country. This time it's the Republicans that had all the power and their greed took over. Next time it will be Democrats with all the power and their greed will take over. It's been going back and forth since this country was founded. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. If you don't believe that you are an ignorant fool. It doesn't matter which party it is. They are all human beings and human beings are prone to greed and corruption. We need checks and balances.

Proud American from New England   November 20th, 2008 10:55 am ET

Al is cool!

tiffany in ohio   November 20th, 2008 10:54 am ET

i really don't care for Franken because i watched the debates an all three men sucked...but if the Franken choice makes things easier for my President Elect Obama (man that sounds good) then GO FRANKEN!!

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   November 20th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Well, Minnesota people somehow re-elected Michelle Bachman after her snied statement about running background checks on every Dem for terrorism....She's as much a terrorist as anyone else then.

Tom Bulger   November 20th, 2008 10:52 am ET

My brother Joel lives in Minnesota and he thinks Coleman is an empty suit. That is good enough for me.

Noah   November 20th, 2008 10:52 am ET

Anytime there is a recount it is always the Democrats who magically uncover votes. It is pathetic. They are so fraudulent

P. D.   November 20th, 2008 10:51 am ET

I hope Frankin wins. The fact that Coleman has used evrything to suppress votes is very telling. Doesn't Michelle Bachman hail from Minnesota? How did she every win re-election is beyond me.

Texas Vet   November 20th, 2008 10:49 am ET

How long will it take for the governors or the Federal Government to agree to an effective voting system for this Country. The goal is to ensure every vote counts and to make it easier for evey voter to vote.

Develop a universal ballot format and a standardized method of counting them. We certainly have had enough experience on what does not work.

Get rid of the obselete voting on Tuesday. Declare a Federal Holiday on a Monday in November and have the polls open for 24 hours.

Standardize an early voting system for all states and establish a fair voter registration system.

Luke Brown, Charleston SC   November 20th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Stop whining.

This is the democratic system. Itmay not be pretty, but it still works better than anything else.

No one is cheating or stealing anything. Minnesota is counting all the votes that were cast for each candidate, adding them up, and the guy with the most will go to Washington.

Shawn   November 20th, 2008 10:46 am ET

Find any more ballots for Franken in people's cars that need to be counted? The election is a joke.

Rorschach   November 20th, 2008 10:45 am ET

OK, Repubs, be honest.

If Franken had the 215 vote lead you'd be insisting on the recount. You're crying "fraud" but this IS the process. If your guy wins in the end, it's his fair and square. If Franken wins, it's his – also fair and square.

Quit weenie-whining already.

Nestor, Austin, TX   November 20th, 2008 10:45 am ET

And the Dems say that republicans steal elections. I sure hope that Minnesota (and the US) doesn't end up with a Senator whose only qualification is that he's unfunny.

ran   November 20th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Go Franken. Coleman needs to go away like so many in his party past and present. They are not what this country needs.

Once upon a horse   November 20th, 2008 10:44 am ET

anybody that can write a book that "disses" Rush Limbaugh is alright with me!

Bob from NC   November 20th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Go Al. It will be refreshing to have an intentionally humorous democratic senator from Minnesota instead of the usual ignorant irony provided by the repiglican alternative.

Angie   November 20th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Yea. The democrats are the ones known for voter fraud. Right. If fraud is going to occur, it's not going to be Franken's camp that's to blame. Coleman already has some ethics violation charges against him. It's okay conservatives. I understand that McCain's loss was tragic in your eyes. You must be feeling down and angry and bitter. Still, COME ON!

Michael   November 20th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Quit complaining about one side stealing this election. Look how close it is. The outcome is almost irrelevant because the other side is going to claim voter fraud whether it is the Republican or the Democrat.

Although I do find it amusing that people are saying the Democrats are cheating even though a recount is mandated by Minnesota law.

Rob Johnson   November 20th, 2008 10:42 am ET

"According to the Secretary of State's office, 15.49 percent of the more than 2.9 million votes cast in the election were recounted yesterday. It appears Franken made a dent of 43 votes into Coleman's lead of 215, "

If that trend holds true, Franken will end up winning by about 65 votes.
In any election that close, the losing side is never going to be happy. Unfortunately, this will probably be a very bitter, drawn-out election.

Franken isn't the best candidate the Dems have ever run, to put it mildly, but I'll take him over Coleman any day.

If Jim Martin can pull off the upset of the century in his runoff over Saxby Chambliss, the Dems could actually get 60 seats. What was once a best-case scenario is getting closer to reality every day.

email4kh   November 20th, 2008 10:40 am ET

If democrats demand that all the votes be counted accurately, republicans call it "cheating." Figures.

John   November 20th, 2008 10:39 am ET

I just hope that if Coleman does win, he keeps up his chameleon-like tendencies. Basically, whoever is in power is his master, so if that stays true, he could actually become a decent senator, as opposed to the last six years in which he was little more than a Bush lapdog, long on promises and short on results. Franken might not be the best candidate, but he's certainly a better option than Coleman.

Steve   November 20th, 2008 10:36 am ET

Can you say voter fraud? The Dems will find a way to steal this!

Chip   November 20th, 2008 10:35 am ET

If Franken wins, I will announce my candidacy. If he can be a senator, anyone can. I never thought he was very funny in his gig as a 'comedian', his AirAmerica show was a flop. All I've ever heard from his mouth is cynical and sarcastic criticism of the policies of the day.

He makes Keith Olbermann look like an optimist.

What distinct qualification (other than complainer in chief) does he have for this post?

Lame.

Jorge -- CA   November 20th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Let's go, Franken!

Travis   November 20th, 2008 10:34 am ET

If Franken is elected then the people of Minnesota absolutely deserve him and all of the disservice he will give them. When has this guy ever shown any depth an an issue? His gasbaggery is only rivalled by Joe Biden's so he is in good company.

Latina-Indepedent-4-OBAMA   November 20th, 2008 10:32 am ET

PRAYING FOR YOU, AL!!

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia in CA   November 20th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Go Franken!!! Kick that weasel out of Washington.

Dee   November 20th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Minnesota is a circus. Period.

arc, Lugano CH   November 20th, 2008 10:29 am ET

New Yorker November 20th, 2008 10:22 am ET
Al Franken will win due to voter fraud and the joke's on us. What a circus!
~~~~~~~~
Criminal Electoral Fraud is a Republican Tactic.

ck   November 20th, 2008 10:28 am ET

If Franken wins.. then the MN people get what they deserve.

What an idiot.

Independent Obama backer   November 20th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Why do people in the entertainment industry think they know better than the rest of us and need to go into politics?

Al Franken becoming a US Senator is about as ridiculous as Rush Limbaugh becoming a US Senator. They both get on the radio and spew their hate for the other side. This makes me sick. We need to come together in this country as Americans.

Obama is going to be the President for change. He doesn't need hate mongers like Franken on his side.

Go home, Al Franken. You were funny when you wrote/performed on SNL. You aren't funny anymore.

Maggie from Virginia   November 20th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Go Franken, Go Go Go!

Jon   November 20th, 2008 10:26 am ET

I'm so glad I voted for the Independent.

Stacy from Loudoun County VA   November 20th, 2008 10:26 am ET

I say save the taxpayer money...open up the Metrodome, charge 20 dollars per person and settle this Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton style. Donate the money to charity...everyone wins.

Dorothy in NC   November 20th, 2008 10:24 am ET

How can the results change each time there is a recount? It seems to me history is repeating itself. Remember Florida 8 years ago.

Ian   November 20th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Go Coleman!!! He is the best candidate....

New Yorker   November 20th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Al Franken will win due to voter fraud and the joke's on us. What a circus!

jaye   November 20th, 2008 10:22 am ET

I hope Franken wins.
These republican crooks need to be ousted.
Why does anyone vote for crooks and liars and dishonesty? WHY?
I just don't get it.

2000 Supreme Court   November 20th, 2008 10:20 am ET

COUNT THEM ALL!

For every vote to count, you HAVE TO count every vote.

Dave G   November 20th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Rave asks "Who's paying for this ??"
-------------------------------
Under Minnesota state law, any vote that ends with a margin of less than 0.5% gets an automatic recount. So the state of Minnesota is paying for it.

GARY   November 20th, 2008 10:16 am ET

DEMS ARE CHEATING AGAIN.

Spencer/NY to VA   November 20th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Let's say it all together........Fillibuster Proof

Rob   November 20th, 2008 10:16 am ET

He's a failed radio host. He can't do anything without yelling and screaming at his opposition like some little crybaby. He was good in bit parts in movies 20 years ago, but flopped in whatever he was the main star in. Unfortunately the only time Franken was funny was when he was coked out of his gourd.

But then hey, America's already taken a huge step back as of November 4th, why not keep falling, right libs?

Jay   November 20th, 2008 10:11 am ET

Here's an idea for you land o lakes people...re-vote, but you can't vote for either of these two nit-wits

Rave   November 20th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Who's paying for this ??

Christine   November 20th, 2008 10:05 am ET

Go Al Franken!
Because you're good enough, you're smart enough, and dog-gonnit, people like you!

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