November 21, 2008
Posted: November 21st, 2008 09:30 AM ET

From
 Ballots are being counted in Minnesota.
Ballots are being counted in Minnesota.

(CNN) – The number of ballots being challenged in the Minnesota recount is growing. This as more than 40 percent of votes have been recounted in the battle for Norm Coleman's US Senate seat. The recount kicked off Wednesday 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.

The Secretary of State's office reports that 734 ballots have been challenged in the first two days of recounting, with 374 questioned by Franken's camp and 360 by Coleman's camp.

Earlier: Minnesota recount could get ugly

According to the Secretary of State's office, 42.33 percent of the more than 2.9 million votes cast in the election were recounted by yesterday. It appears Franken's made a dent into Coleman's pre recount lead of 215. According to the results posted on the Secretary of State's website, Franken now trails Coleman by 129 votes.

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: Minnesota


PB   November 21st, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Yep, if Franken gets in, instead of 40% of people in the country paying no taxes, it will have a chance to bump up to 60%. Hold onto your wallets, it's going to be a bumpy couple of years until people find out that "change" means "give me your change – this is not an option"

PragmaTexan   November 21st, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Interesting thing about Franken – All the media watch outlets that evaluate the factual accuracy and veracity of pundit radio ranked Franken the highest in factual accuracy and veracity at 97.6%, followed by Jeanene Garafalo and Rachel Maddow at 96.5% each and Jerry Springer at 94.5% for year 2006.

At the bottom? Limbaugh at 16%, Hannity at 18%, O'Reilly at 20%.

Interesting pattern, eh?!

frank   November 21st, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Cleary that image shows two votes for Franken. Now only 161 behind. People get out there and vote again and often. We can't win without you!

EW   November 21st, 2008 2:37 pm ET

I wish just one liberal could show just one shred of PROOF that any Republican has ever stolen an election. Just because Air(head) America says it doesn't make it so.

John   November 21st, 2008 2:34 pm ET

How old are we today kids?

Get Over It   November 21st, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Only not LOUDLY enough in Minn.
Get over it. Nobody is trying to steal the election.

the re-count , being watched by both sides "peeps" like a hawk, will result in a Final Count. No votes will appear out of "thin air", no trucks are hiding around the corner full of ballots. Get over it. You've been watching too many Mel Gibson movies.

Jimbo   November 21st, 2008 2:30 pm ET

I think this is more exciting than the election itself-we get to see what a closely contested election is really like-so far everything seems to be going the proper route-whoever wins isn't as important as the process being done correctly (not like Florida , with the Supreme Court deciding for everyone). I voted for Franken but I'll go with whomever wins after ALL the votes have been counted as fairly as is possible. This is truly what a democracy is all about even if the Republicans hate it!

Bill, ca   November 21st, 2008 2:16 pm ET

One more comment to Socialiste:

The Socialist Democratic Party's of Europe are better in preserving democratic principles as Republicans any day.

And this is a fact.

Myrock Atlanta, GA   November 21st, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Go Al Go!

FYI: Georgia! Stand up DEC. 2nd!

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR SENATE!

JIM MARTAIN 08!

It's not over until it's over!

Darryl   November 21st, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Sounds like Minnesota is having some of those Florida election problems. LOL

Too bad, had a great time visiting the state and talking to the people for business. I guess they need better election officials

Over Here   November 21st, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Get over it. Nobody is trying to steal the election.

Get over it. Acorn has nothing to do with this. Yes, some of the people temporarily employed by them falsified some REGISTRATION FORMS. They were recognized as false (obviously) and regected. On Nov. 4th, no cartoon characters or dead people voted. Millions of LEGITIMATE voters did. and they spoke CLEARLY!

sick n tired   November 21st, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Come on Noah!! That argument is OLD! Get a life!

Adam   November 21st, 2008 2:07 pm ET

I love it!! Dems try and steal elections? Republicans are almost as funny as...Al Franken!!

True Blue , West Coast   November 21st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Looks like Normie is going down.....
The good folks of Minn. voted Normie in 6 years ago as a form of protest . They did not like the way the late Paul Wellstones memorial service was conducted . I could not blame them, there was too much " politiking " going on, and not enough genuine memoriorlizing of all the good that Paul Wellstone stood for in life.
But, that being said, six years has gone by and the good folks of Minn. appears to have forgiven the dems., and are punishing Normie, for his blind trust in Geo. W., and the rest of those republicrooks.
They know that a vote for Normie, is a vote for more of the same old log jam in the senate, and the country as a whole.

Get Over It!!!   November 21st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Get over it. Acorn has nothing to do with this. Yes, some of the people temporarily employed by them falsified some REGISTRATION FORMS. They were recognized as false (obviously) and regected. On Nov. 4th, no cartoon characters or dead people voted. Millions of LEGITIMATE voters did. and they spoke CLEARLY!

Get Over It!!!   November 21st, 2008 2:05 pm ET

POST THIS!!!

Get over it. Nobody is trying to steal the election.

VETS4Obama   November 21st, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Looks like Coleman and his Repugnantcan allies are starting to sweat that their voter surpression tactics might not have worked! Maybe they will not be able to steal this election!

Get Over It!!! LOL   November 21st, 2008 1:56 pm ET

I had TRIED post a thought provoking statement.

CNN would not post it .

So I posted a mindless "go Al"

I guess that they could handle.

Christine-Baltimore, MD   November 21st, 2008 1:54 pm ET

How hard is it to mark a ballot? Really? Are we that dumb in this country that a simple bubble can't be filled in? I say toss the questionable ballots. Dumb people lose their vote!

Challenge, Challenge, Challenge   November 21st, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Good, challenge them all. This election is important. The country is waiting to move forward and we need a Democratic win.

By the way, I like to take this time to thank the following states:

Florida
Ohio
Indiana
Pennsylvania
Iowa
North Carolina
Nevada
New Mexico

You rock.

Obama 4 60   November 21st, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Actually the Rep came up with the early voting concept in most states

No Hillary = No Obama   November 21st, 2008 1:49 pm ET

I hope Franken is watching SNL tapes of his Daily Affirmation skits.

Corey   November 21st, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Your reactions are just sad.

The recount has nothing to do with anyone's attempt to steal the election, it's an automatic REQUIREMENT when a vote is that close, because there is a margin of error in the tabulation. When the vote count falls within the margin of error, they MUST do a recount to ensure that the person who actually got the most votes won.

It's hardly the first recount in the history of this country... It's just so noticable because of how close the Democrats are to a super majority, and Republicans are concerned that it will leave them completely powerless.

Robert   November 21st, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Kevin – Since you're obviously a Republican, it's probably better to not bring up the topic of "stealing elections". How soon you forget. Apparently, around 50% of people from Minnesota DO think he's Senate worthy so it isn't up to you to question their opinions. "The whole country is being led to destruction"??? Guess what, we're already there and it's the Republicans who can take credit for it. Think before you speak.

GOP will figure out a way to cheat   November 21st, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Please, for once, let's have a recount that's objective and fair. I'm a Dem but I want whoever really won the people's vote to win. Coleman's posturing about the recount was so ugly and Rovian – that era is over.

Pavel   November 21st, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Democrats stealing elections? Republicans stole the last two presidential elections, and are constantly involved in intimidation strategies and tactics to prevent the poor, elderly and minorities from voting.

Charlie   November 21st, 2008 1:34 pm ET

It is so nice to see that the uneducated and feeble minded are still out here in the netherlands. First we have the tax dogger, I do believe we have learned that Franken was this guy. I also believe that we have found out that the first campaign to go to court was the Frankin Campaign again the brainless on this blog blame coleman. I personally don't have a dog in this fight but it sure would be nice for folks to use their grey matter, well at least if they have any.

Jenny   November 21st, 2008 1:30 pm ET

What is wrong with you people. The race ended up as too close to call, and the RULES state that there must be a recount. No-one is cheating anyone. Just wait and see what the final count ends up being. If it's still close, then I am sure it will go to court. That's it... there is nothing else to discuss.

Maybe some people don't like Al Franken, and some people are not particulary overjoyed with Norm Coleman. It was up to Minnesota to choose so please leave it to them.

I live in California and believe me, Arnold Swartzenegger was not my choice for governor. However, he was chosen and if people in Minnesota or Florida, or Georgia, or New York love him or hate him, it doesn't help California.

Bob   November 21st, 2008 1:26 pm ET

LOL - Al the tax dodger Franken LOL LOL LOL LOL . I used to be a democrat.

Shasta   November 21st, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Personally, as a Minnesotan, I blame the morons who voted for Barkley just to prove a point.

Love My USA/Do You?   November 21st, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Wake Up Dumb America.. This election is a disgrace. The Democrats will steal the gold from their mothers mouth. I have lost all faith in the Democratic process. Elections should be the same in every state Nov. 4th Only absent tee ballots for a just cause. All machines should have a paper trail. This early voting, and no verifcation, is causing all of this BS. It was the Democrat s who started this crap.... Lets get bck to the proper way of voiting. One vote per register cititzen of the USA...on Nov 4t. and only on Nov. 4th. Is this to much to ask????

Carl   November 21st, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Sure do hope Franken does win; if the ballots are correctly counted
then of course, he will. Finally a chance to have someone respresent
the state without the interference of the mentally challenged
evangelicals.

Bald Ex-Soldier   November 21st, 2008 1:07 pm ET

At this point to claim either person won is just idiotic! Good old human error accounts for more than the .002% difference (or whatever it is at now) there is between the canidates.
And btw, as a Minnesotan I find Coleman detestable considering that he was a transplanted politican blessed by the RNC who moved to MN just to get to congress. God do I miss Wellstone. He was too liberal for me, but he was a True Stateman and we have precious few of them nowadays.
As for Franken, 1) he has the wit to be a good representative 2) He WAS a comedian, just like Reagan was an actor. Personally I am not trilled with him, but I think he is just (if not more) qualified to serve as Coleman is. And at least Franken would DO SOMETHING while in Washington.

Coleman's Still Winning   November 21st, 2008 1:07 pm ET

I don't think Franken's catching up fast enough to overtake Coleman. It's just math. At present rate of change from vote recount, Coleman's lead will narrow, but Coleman will still win. Instead of winning by 215 votes . . . he'll win by about 66.

Maggie   November 21st, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Kevin:
"Unbelievable…democrats continue to attempt to steal elections"

I guess they finally learned from the republicans how elections are really counted.

Annie, Atlanta   November 21st, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Norm Coleman hasn't seemed happy from the start with this required recount. What does he know that we don't?

Frank   November 21st, 2008 1:01 pm ET

This is really kind of fun. It's like Christmas going on well into January, with a new little present every day.

GOD, do I love politics! It truly is the greatest show on earth!

TED   November 21st, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Go Franken.

Hey Sen. Coleman, how about conceding gracefully?

joseph   November 21st, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Coleman is a crook trying to steal the election, abetted by Fix News. What else is new. Reminds me of Florida.

Harold   November 21st, 2008 12:57 pm ET

For anyone, Minnesotan or otherwise, who thinks that Al Franken being a comedian is a negative and that those on the right are above such shennanigans, I have a few names:

Ronald Reagan (bad actor)
Sonny Bono (bad singer – good songwriter)
Jesse Ventura (are you kidding me?)
Arnold Schwarzenegger (ham actor – smarter than he looks – thank God!)

Now, if you elect Prince in the mid-term election, I'll start to worry.

Just joking   November 21st, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Franken should win.

Susan, Macedon New York   November 21st, 2008 12:51 pm ET

I love the irony – Republicans claiming Democrats are stealing an election!!! Get over yourselves people and realize that Republicans are the cheaters (about pretty much everything, including their personal lives). Aren't Repubs the party of the "wide stance"? And how many Republicans are in prison or under indictment for corruption? A lot more than Democrats, that's for sure!

To those who are complaining that Franken is a comedian, didn't you guys elect Jesse Ventura – a wrestler???? Please! At least a comedian has a few brains.

Debi   November 21st, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Kevin I hate to inform you, but Democrats are not stealing the election. Bush handed the election, on a silver platter, to the Democrats.

Speaking of stealing elections: 2000, 2004.... do you consider those two years stolen or won? I bet you consider them both won, but remeber those two elections are the reason lawyers are even involved in elections. Not because they were won fair and square, but because there was too many fishy issues.

David   November 21st, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Minnesota is in danger of looking like California – first Jesse Ventura, now maybe Franken, who's next?

Purple Nurple   November 21st, 2008 12:46 pm ET

21st century and we still can't count our ballots right....good greif!!!

Apples for sale   November 21st, 2008 12:43 pm ET

please ignore CK,the fifteen year old Rush Limbaugh koolaid drinker.She has serious mental issues and should seek the advice of a doctor.

glendower   November 21st, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Do the right-wing Republicans ever make an intelligent posting on these CNN comments, or are they all as dull as Jon, ck, Rob, etc., who write inanities?

Fenarkleman   November 21st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Winfield Adcock is going down. Pete Tagliano in 2008!

Gulf Coast   November 21st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Why the opposition to a comedian in the Senate? We have tolerated a clown in the Whitehouse for the past eight years!

Ken in Florida   November 21st, 2008 12:41 pm ET

To the people of Minnesota, welcome to Florida!

AZ Lauren   November 21st, 2008 12:40 pm ET

GO AL GO!

Phil, CA   November 21st, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Honestly, they should track each of these numskulls who didn't fill in the bubble, tried to cross it out after the fact, circled one of the boxes from the scantron alignment line (the dotted-boxed line that runs down the left hand side and I did actually see a case where someone did that), or any other idiotic method of filling out the voting card and strip them of their right to vote. If they are too dumb to fill out a stinking scantron form correctly, they are too stupid to vote! Period!

Shola in Arizona   November 21st, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Wouldn't it be smarter to recount the ballots without a pen in your hand?

bigo80   November 21st, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Coleman should concede before the truth about the money comes out.

John in Ohio   November 21st, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Tough call, on the one hand I dislike Coleman as a politician, on the other hand I dislike Franken as a comedian.

Maybe we could get them to switch places?

tick...tock....   November 21st, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Check the numbers gang. Norm will win for a third time. Only the lawyers can take it now.

Jen   November 21st, 2008 12:28 pm ET

I saw some of the actual ballots that Al Franken is contesting. They have Franken's name bubbled in, then his whole name AND bubble crossed out, the Coleman's name bubbled in. They are clearly for Coleman. That said, I have not seen the ones that Coleman is contesting.

Jack   November 21st, 2008 12:28 pm ET

LOL -and I do believe that jon is from California where we elect actors as Governors and b rated actors who wind up as lousy elected officials.

Chris   November 21st, 2008 12:27 pm ET

The Republicans.....What a joke. Welcome to America's awakening

Jack   November 21st, 2008 12:26 pm ET

This will get ugly for one outstanding reason – republicans cheat!

j. williams   November 21st, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Acorn has guaranteed the people of Minnesota a fair and impartial vote count for their candidate Al Freakin...

Matt   November 21st, 2008 12:23 pm ET

@ JohnOBX

I agree, but they should also both be standing in a full kiddy-pool.

LOCUTUS OF BAMA   November 21st, 2008 12:21 pm ET

The Franken unit will be victorious at the end of the recount cycle. Neocon tyranny is near it's end. Resistance is futile.

Don_N   November 21st, 2008 12:20 pm ET

If you would listen to what Franken says and not just to the Neocon radio hosts, you'd know that he really does understand the issues. Whether you agree with him or not is up to you, but to dismiss him simply because someone tells you to do so is a disservice to both yourself and to Minnesota.

SD Demo   November 21st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

It is important to get it right. Challenging specific ballots after examining them is the legal way to do it. Much as I would like Franken to get the "Florida-Harris-like" edge from a Democratic Secretary of State in Minnesota to make up for 2000, I would much more prefer a clean, honest count.

ROBERT   November 21st, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I can't believe that people are really voting for this moron. Al Franken is a joke...and not a very funny one at that. The Dems are going to see that he wins so they will be that much closer to a majority in the senate. Have we learned nothing from electing Ventura? I guess not. People are voting for hate for the Republicans. They blame everything on them but they fail to realize that the Dems were there too doing the worst they could.

John   November 21st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

To those who believe that 8years of mess caused or economy to go down. Remember where you were 4 years ago. the economy was going crazy. I had more work than I could handle. But, in came a democratic congress and then the media and the election and things just went down hill from there. Go ahead and blame it on the president. You bone heads listen to the media and forget that congress is responsible as well. Check our the rating. its way lower than bushes. Wake the hell up people. Put your heads back on and think for yourselves, and stop repeating the media bull crap.

Whoami   November 21st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Let Coleman win. It will only be a matter of time before he is behind bars like all the other Republican criminals. Why can the Republicans not find one honest person in their party? Shame on them for ruining America.

Rob Johnson   November 21st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Man, this is going to be close!

If these numbers hold, Coleman wins by about 12 votes. Yes, 12.

No matter what the outcome, the other side is going to be convinced they were cheated. I feel bad for Minnesotans, this election will probably leave a nasty aftertaste.

cattlecar   November 21st, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Al Franken gives a new dimension to our concept of insanity and I think he will work well with the Hussein regime. Remember America, it isn`t fraud to let the right guy win. Let the counting continue.

John   November 21st, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Wow, the chicago machine at work. Votes are appearing out of nowhere.
It always amazes me. Here in Illinois, the city of chicago votes in who they want to run the state. Obama is from Illinois remember. the machine is at work in Minnesota

steve   November 21st, 2008 12:00 pm ET

How soon will Bush's goons circa 2000 Florida decend upon the fair state of MN?

Timothy S. NJ   November 21st, 2008 11:59 am ET

Dear Ms. Klimt,

Mr. Franken cheats on his taxes? Uh, no. He failed to change his residency in the 70's and therefore was paying taxes to the wrong state. Certainly a serious oversight. However, the entire time he was "cheating" he was paying state taxes to California. California gave him his money back and he gave that money and any other delinquent funds back to Minnesota.

By the way, California's Taxes are much higher than those in Minnesota. The only person or entity Franken was cheating was himself.

Sorry Lying Liar!

reyo   November 21st, 2008 11:58 am ET

Franken will fit in beautifully with all the other failed comics the Dems send to office in '09.

dude   November 21st, 2008 11:58 am ET

enough domocrats in the senate already....

Chris   November 21st, 2008 11:58 am ET

Republicans hate Franken because he dared to call out their hero Limbaugh. I hope he gets in office if for no other reason than to give the lunatic fringe that is what's left of the Republican party someone to fixate on.

Katie in MN   November 21st, 2008 11:52 am ET

To the guy who said Franken should concede you obviously don't know whats going on, we don't have officals results yet no one should be declared a winner or a loser when there were almost 3 million ballots cast and the diffrence between the 2 was only 215 going in to the recount.....get real

wjc   November 21st, 2008 11:48 am ET

Jon: Have you ever actually listened to Franken during the campaign? No, I thought not. He is not a joke. I love when cons make statements like that when they don't agree with someone. It's not enough to argue the issue, you have to call someone a joke, a socialist, a Muslim, or something to carry enough fear or hate when you have run out of ideas. Coleman is not a joke, but I wouldn't vote for him under any circumstances given his positions on the issues. Franken would be a wonderful change for Minnesotans.

Gregory/Havertown, PA   November 21st, 2008 11:46 am ET

God help us if people really believe Frankenstein would be good for the country.

etys   November 21st, 2008 11:42 am ET

I pray that Al Franken is elected as the next senator. I am definitely sure Coleman camp cheated.

setys   November 21st, 2008 11:41 am ET

I pray that Al Franken is elected as the next senator. I am definitely sure Coleman camp much have cheated.

Kathy S. Cloughn   November 21st, 2008 11:40 am ET

Franken a joke? I think NOT. he's a Harvard grad who really cares about people and issues. Just because he works in entertainment does not mean that he is not a serious candidate. he will do well in DC. His opponent stole the election last time...his opponent was killed and it was too late to conduct a campaign. Franken deserves to win this recount.

Kevin   November 21st, 2008 11:40 am ET

Unbelievable...democrats continue to attempt to steal elections. Does anyone really think Franken is of "Senate-quality"?????????? Geez. Anything they can do for that supermajority, they will. This whole country is being lead to destruction.

Goodman Fredrick   November 21st, 2008 11:38 am ET

Since we are the greatest nation on earth, may be we should have voice activated ballots so that the voter tells exactly whom he voted for. How long does it take to count?

JohnOBX   November 21st, 2008 11:35 am ET

Too close to call. This must be settled by a duel. Taser guns at 15 paces. Last man not writhing on the ground is the new Senator.

Rick, Former Minnesotan   November 21st, 2008 11:33 am ET

Everything is proceeding in an orderly manner. The ballots are being counted and scrutinized to determine the will of each voter. Isn't our democracy great! I don't see anything to complain about.

Independant Vet   November 21st, 2008 11:33 am ET

Why you know right off the cuff. They have eneough Ilegal votes laying in there catch . to put the AL way out front. May have to have a few more recounts. They will make it . Just like Barry , never did show us his Birth Certificate , just the phony , no DR.'s Name , No Hospital . For it lay's in his muslim country .

All those Millions an could not pay off Hillary's debt. Just shows hoew south side polit's works. Just a few lies an plenty of cash, regarldess where it comes from . Hamas an his next of kin.

Marc from San Diego   November 21st, 2008 11:32 am ET

Everybody just relax. We will know who got more votes in another week or so.

conservative   November 21st, 2008 11:29 am ET

What you wanta bet Votes for the democrat will mysteriously appear!

History Guy   November 21st, 2008 11:29 am ET

Jeannine,

Franken did not cheat on his taxes. He paid the correct amount he owed, but paid it all to one state, not the several he was required to. When his error was discovered, he immediately fixed it, and is now completely up-to-date on taxes, unlike con heroes such as "Joe" the "Plumber". Coleman on the other hand, takes kickbacks and bribes illegally, as well as "pals around with" convicted felons like Ted Stevens. Face facts and admit truth. Shed yourself from your narrow-sighted con ideology, and the truth will set you free.

"Never let facts get in the way of ideology"–GOP Motto

wjc   November 21st, 2008 11:25 am ET

Jeannine: Franken hasn't actually cheated at all, but don't let the facts get in the way of a good rant.

Alaskan Fame Junkie   November 21st, 2008 11:25 am ET

I was watching something about this on MSNBC last night and they were showing votes that were being challenged by each candidate. It's kind of frustrating how many completely dim people there are out there that simply cannot fill in a little circle on a ballot...there were ones with the candidates name crossed out, etc. VOTING IS NOT THAT HARD.

Rick   November 21st, 2008 11:25 am ET

The democrats are following their usual playbook.....lie, cheat and steal until your guy is on top then call it done.

Jon   November 21st, 2008 11:23 am ET

Al Franken . . . what a joke. Welcome to America's deluded society.

Noah   November 21st, 2008 11:22 am ET

Franken is not the winner. He is going to lose. He is the worst kind of Liberal there is. he is unwilling to even have discussions with anyone who does not hold the same ridiculous views as him. The Democrats have done far more damage in the last 2 years that they have held the Congress than the 6 previous years of Republican rule. Thanks your Liberal friends Chris Dodd and Barney Frank for the sub prime mortgage mess.

Lynne M   November 21st, 2008 11:20 am ET

This hasn't anything to do with either candidate, but instead is about having the will of voters be known beyond a shadow of a doubt. The fact that states and local municipalities often automatically recount very close elections is a good thing for all voters and all candidates, alike.

It is wrong to allow personality and party politics get in the way of the reason behind recounts - to know and/or verify the true winner.

Jeannine Klimt   November 21st, 2008 11:18 am ET

Franken is the one who should concede but he cheats on his taxes so why not here.

History Guy   November 21st, 2008 11:14 am ET

All cons who said Franken was whining his way to an undeserved victory should not that Coleman has challenged nearly as many ballots as Franken.

faraz   November 21st, 2008 11:13 am ET

Considering 8years of republican created mess, my prayers are with Al Franken,and with Martin for GA senate race

daleesp   November 21st, 2008 11:10 am ET

I'd take a close look at all votes for Coleman. Them republicans aren't happy unless they are cheating somebody...usually by tax dodging.

Alex   November 21st, 2008 11:10 am ET

Personally, being a Minnesotan, I do not want some comedian being my senator. Last I checked, Norm is still in the lead.

Independent   November 21st, 2008 11:10 am ET

How do you know, Spencer?

DavidYouareanIdiot   November 21st, 2008 11:07 am ET

Coleman is a two face idiot he is a puppot to George W. Bush, Minnesota can not afford to have Coleman for second term, we need change throw this lier out. I am confident when all the recounts are done Franken is going to win by 275 votes.

Tim   November 21st, 2008 11:06 am ET

Yes, Sen Coleman, please concede.

SWW   November 21st, 2008 11:06 am ET

Spencer, obviously you believe Al Fraken and the Democrats cheated then, otherwise there would be know way to know who the winner is until ALL the ballots are recounted. Without being overly cavalier about "voter intention". Let the process work adn we'll all know the winner in a couple of weeks. hopefully we all can be adults and accept the results when reported.

Simmy   November 21st, 2008 11:05 am ET

I think they should have a duel! Shrewd Franken would win!

Thomas   November 21st, 2008 11:02 am ET

When recounting the votes, I don't think the people doing the counting should concern themselves with voter intent. Either the ballot is properly filled out or it is not.

The instructions on the ballot are clear. If a voter was unable or unwilling to follow the simple instructions, the ballot is invalid.

In counting votes, there should not be any "interpretation" of the ballot.

Beck   November 21st, 2008 11:01 am ET

Of course he will win. Republicans only get to vote once.

jenny   November 21st, 2008 11:00 am ET

This is typical Republican FRAUD.

chris   November 21st, 2008 10:59 am ET

Minnesota is turning out to be the new Florida of 2008. It looks like this one is going to be decided in the Suppreme Court too, probably we won’t know the results until January 2009.

MICK from MESA   November 21st, 2008 10:59 am ET

Why doesn't MN challenge the 6th District votes for that whack job – the "born-again" evangelical McCarthyite – Michelle Bachmann?

She continue to deny her statements on Hardball where she called most of the congress "Anti-American" yet says "in her heart" she knows she is right. "In her heart" eh, well that makes her delusional as well.

MN, you should be ashamed of yourselves for electing this neocon demagogue...

kacz   November 21st, 2008 10:58 am ET

And you know that how? By the current vote count or by blind allegiance to party dogma.

I voted in the MN election (absentee) and split my vote between Obama and Coleman. In short, it isn't a sufficient qualification to joke one's way into office. Having done the actual research (reading all of Franken's ultimately self-serving missives and having watched Coleman's rise from mayor to Senate), I can say that party dogma is worthless in this fight. Count the actual votes and reserve judgment for the certification board.

Or, rule by fiat as numb-nut spencer from NY would suggest (a very Bushian suggestion at that).

mabel floyd   November 21st, 2008 10:52 am ET

this is one i would really like to win–you go al-

Doug   November 21st, 2008 10:51 am ET

Just like the Wa state gov race. The Dems will recount until they "find" enough votes to win.

thriveblogger   November 21st, 2008 10:50 am ET

I'm more interested in the votes that are not being counted, or never should have been counted.

sick n tired   November 21st, 2008 10:48 am ET

Maybe they can get the state supreme court to hand Coleman the election! Just like florida did for Bush!!!!!!

wjc   November 21st, 2008 10:47 am ET

If current trends hold, at the end of the recount Coleman will have a 14-vote lead with about 1700 challenged ballots to be reviewed, plus a challenge to absentee ballots that were disallowed for questionable reasons in Ramsey County (St. Paul).

Maybe we should move right to a coin toss.

tom   November 21st, 2008 10:46 am ET

i am from minnesota and i hope franken wins.... i want the democrats to have the 60 or close as possible so we can repair all the damage teh republicans have done.

RobK   November 21st, 2008 10:46 am ET

Wait until the Dems start arguing about the disqualified votes. "Why should it matter that the person used fake ID to register?" "Why should it matter that someone else filled out their ballot?" "Why should it matter that the voter screwed up their ballot?" Count all the votes, doggone it!

karen-phoenix   November 21st, 2008 10:43 am ET

Go Franken!!!! Reagen and Swarzeneger are actors and they sure did good! Franken is an actor and a comedian-much better–have to have humor to survive!

S. Boatman Warrensburg Mo.   November 21st, 2008 10:42 am ET

I Hope Democrats Win The Last Two Seats And Get To The Magic 60! Then We Can See Some Real Change!

Milton, Harrisburg, PA   November 21st, 2008 10:42 am ET

Al Franken is good enough, he's smart enough, and doggone it, people like him! Perhaps he should try a daily affirmation. As for Norm Coleman, clearly he is a "rage-a-holic"

Barbara in NC   November 21st, 2008 10:41 am ET

Kick all republicans out until they can grow a logical brain.

The core ideology of conservatism has been hijacked. The definition of true conservatism is that the sole focus is on ending the practice of abortion, prohibiting gay marriage and appointing conservative judges to the Supreme Court.

Above all else, social issues and judges are the most pressing issues facing this country, according to Republicans. Not the size of the federal government, not the economic crisis and certainly not the multiple wars we are carrying on in foreign countries; but preventing two people of the same gender from getting married. That is the most dire issue of our time?

Skunk-TX   November 21st, 2008 10:40 am ET

Alfranken is the man. Coleman will go home.

thomas   November 21st, 2008 10:38 am ET

Why not just let the Supreme Court pick the winner. They did so well in '00.

Maryland Democrat   November 21st, 2008 10:38 am ET

to Spencer/NY to VA:

Because we DONT know Franken is the winner. At this point, it's not just that either person is just being stubborn – though I imagine they will be stubborn on the challenges – it's that the race is so close, that even the most basic, most common of clerical or machine errors could tip the balance in favor of EITHER candidate.

The winner of this might win by just a handful of votes, so the best thing to do is wait it out and see, when all the votes have been recounted and certified.

mitch   November 21st, 2008 10:38 am ET

who cares? we're getting shafted with a 3rd clinton administration, anyway.

Matt   November 21st, 2008 10:36 am ET

Word on the street is that Coleman's got his people challenging obvious Franken votes so he can later say the Sec of State's office, which reviews the challenged votes and is led by a Democrat, rigged the election and showed bias by awarding the votes to Franken.

Marek   November 21st, 2008 10:36 am ET

They need to check some of the trucks as did in Alaska. They might find a couple of thousand votes the Republican got hid away...after all they wrote the book on voter suppression!!

Rochelle   November 21st, 2008 10:35 am ET

If one is bubbled in then that is who the vote is for. If there is a line going anywhere it is not a bubble so it means nothing. If markings are on the side of someone's name then it is for that person or throw it out. It's as simple as that. What rocket Sicentist do you need to determine that? Get it together people!

Vincent Thomas   November 21st, 2008 10:32 am ET

Talk about being two-faced, listen to this. I have heard Obama say at least ten times that "He will reach accross the aisle to lead this country" Now if this were the case and not just retoric, why is he spending millions in the fight in Georgia to have a fool-proof government behind him? Thats not reaching across anything but is saying do it my way or else.I know politicians say things to get elected but then let it go its natural way instead of "buying votes" to make it work his way. But then why should this be any diferent. Didn't he "buy" votes himself to gain the presidency? Being a liberal station,I'm sure you will disagree with all of this. Thank you.....Vince

BS not Maverick   November 21st, 2008 10:31 am ET

Franken will win!

LIP   November 21st, 2008 10:30 am ET

Pray that Franken loses. If he doesn't lose, we are the losers, should the Democrats have total and complete control of the Senate and the Presidency. Speak of stealing an election...the democrats have pulled out all the stops to push this one into their corner...this is honesty at its very best?

Pete   November 21st, 2008 10:28 am ET

Coleman should just challenge every single vote, so that each vote has to be scrutinized by a team of lawyers. That would take us past the time that the new congress convenes.

The whole process is a circus, and Franken is the lead clown.

rob   November 21st, 2008 10:28 am ET

we need a totally taper proof new way of voting in this country. and it should have a paper trail just in case

ohio   November 21st, 2008 10:26 am ET

I am sorry but they help you understand how to vote and if you still can't figure it out maybe you are not in the right state of mind to vote. I saw one with lizard people written in....oh thats great democracy there.

thomas   November 21st, 2008 10:26 am ET

Why not just let the Supreme Court pick the winner. They did so well in '02.

NotStupid   November 21st, 2008 10:21 am ET

Maybe because he is winning?

ProgressiveDemocrat   November 21st, 2008 10:18 am ET

Only 129 vote difference and counting .
I believe Al Franken can pull this off if the GOP does not play games Coleman will lose not by much but will lose fairly and squarely if nothing is tampered in the rcounting .

Al Franken will make a good Progressive voice in the US Senate which is needed big time.

Latina-Indepedent-4-OBAMA   November 21st, 2008 10:18 am ET

That's fine, let everything be challenged. Al Franken will still win, simply because....... America voted for CHANGE!

CanIcallyouJoe   November 21st, 2008 10:18 am ET

This is appalling. I have seen how they "judge" these ballots, and it is nothing more than taking away the people's rights to be heard. They conjecture every little mark on the paper and each party spins it in their favor – THEY ARE CONTROLLING THE RESULTS.

Not that either of them are remarkable politicians anyway.

MIKE   November 21st, 2008 10:17 am ET

ummmm...well Spencer in NY....could it be because he has more votes than Franken?

Watermann   November 21st, 2008 10:14 am ET

Greetings from Florida

TD   November 21st, 2008 10:14 am ET

How do we know that? So far he's behind the votes... Votes is usually how an election is decided and so far Franken is losing.

Barbara in NC   November 21st, 2008 10:14 am ET

I would think a revote would be in order – this is just too close, and some people may have changed their minds. Revote.

happy thanksgiving   November 21st, 2008 10:12 am ET

whats taking so long??

Trevor   November 21st, 2008 10:11 am ET

Um... he's not.

Coleman has been in the lead and will retain his lead.
Most of the ballots that Franken challenges anyway aren't that controversial, he's just desperate.

My Friends, let me tell you,   November 21st, 2008 10:08 am ET

My good friend Norm Colman is done.I thought the election was going to come down Missouri and this could have gone to the Supreme Court,guess I was wrong.

Rob   November 21st, 2008 10:08 am ET

So is ACORN helping Franken conjure up the votes in his attempt to steal the election?

LyonsPhilly   November 21st, 2008 10:02 am ET

I saw some of those ballots on CNN last night and I smell a rat. I'm not sure if it's a Dem or Rep rat. Why can't people just stop being so underhanded. That's the reason why we're in the hell we are in now. If there was more honesty in the world, it would be a better place.

Wise White Guy   November 21st, 2008 9:59 am ET

After seeing some of the examples of ballots that were being challenged I have to say that all of these attorneys seem ludicrous. The intent on all of them is easy to see. The real question should be whether a ballot should be counted from a person who cannot even figure out the most simple of things. How difficult is it to make up your mind before you put the marker on the paper? How hard is it to color in an oval? I know the law allows anyone who is 18 and meets basic eligibility requirements to vote but it is frightening to me that an election can be decided by uneducated, uninformed or unstable people. There should be some threshold of intelligence and comprehension you must meet before being allowed to register to vote. However the recount goes I will be pulling for the most intelligent man, the man with the higher ideals and integrity, and that is Al Franken.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ   November 21st, 2008 9:58 am ET

I'd hate to be at that job. If you mess up, the wrong guy could be in the Senate... No pressure there now.

Spencer/NY to VA   November 21st, 2008 9:56 am ET

We all know franken is the winner. Why doesn't the other guy concede already.

Illinois 2   November 21st, 2008 9:54 am ET

Take as long as necessary, but get right......

ck   November 21st, 2008 9:51 am ET

Franken is a crook who is trying to steal the election, abetted by the DNC

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