March 24, 2009
Posted: March 24th, 2009 02:58 PM ET

From
The FEC made a decision about fundraising for the Coleman-Franken election constest.
The FEC made a decision about fundraising for the Coleman-Franken election constest.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – A decision by the Federal Election Commission may ensure that the drawn-out Senate contest between Al Franken and Norm Coleman will not end any time soon.

The Federal Election Commission recently announced that the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee can establish a recount fund to collect donations that will be used to cover expenses related to 2008 Minnesota senate recount and election contest.

The FEC decision allows the DSCC to raise $30,400 from individuals and $15,000 from multicandidate political committees during 2009. These new contributions are in addition to and separate from any other donations made to the DSCC for its overall efforts to support Democratic Senate candidates.

Attorneys for national Republicans submitted legal arguments to the FEC in support of the DSCC and the practical effect of the FEC's decision is to allow both parties to engage in separate, additional fundraising to cover the mounting costs of the Franken-Coleman battle.


A winner still has yet to be determined in the Franken-Coleman contest, even though Election Day was more than four months ago. Franken came out ahead after a recount which was followed by an election contest lawsuit filed by Coleman. Last week, Coleman's lawyer predicted that Franken would be victorious in the trial and that Coleman would appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The decision by the trial court is expected any day now.

Filed under: Al Franken • FEC • Norm Coleman


Michael the American Taxpayer   March 24th, 2009 5:58 pm ET

Al Franken is the Rush Limbaugh of the Ultra-Left Wing Liberal movement. Coleman needs to fight for every vote, especially military overseas ballots that Franken has rejected.

Waverydr   March 24th, 2009 5:50 pm ET

To all you republicans saying she's not a real republican, you're right, she's a real American. She cares about being an American over the politics and you want to disown her. Unbelievable. You claim she doesn't know anything because she's young, well I have no doubt this girl who's been around politics her whole life, has been so close to politics her whole life, has such an interest in politics at such a young age, knows a lot more than any of you.

Its no surprise the Republicans lost the young vote in the election with their stale, intractable positions and narrow views. Thank goodness.

KG, Twin Cities   March 24th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

Hey Norm, here's a vote I want to count – mine! So concede already.

phoenix86   March 24th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

Please, just have a run-off election just between Coleman and Franken. That is the fastest way to end this.

Peter   March 24th, 2009 5:41 pm ET

This is pointless, cant Minnesota atleast have someone appointed to the seat until we know who won?

Joe, Chicago IL   March 24th, 2009 5:30 pm ET

Recount should not stop until the following items are resolved...

- ~200 ballots all for one candidate found in car 3 weeks after the election
- ~200 votes all for one candidate dated 2 days prior to the election
- ~15,000 absentee ballots not even opened
- ~1,500 military/oversees ballots not allowed to be opened

It is a shame that we have military folks who are defending our liberties and their votes can't get counted, because Franken finally got enough in the recount.

Gracie, MD   March 24th, 2009 5:14 pm ET

ENOUGH, Coleman LOST. This is getting so ridiculous and turning so many voters OFF that sooner or later NO ONE will TRUST Minnesota's voting process or give a dam!!

Valerie   March 24th, 2009 5:09 pm ET

i am sure with all this $$ being spent by Minnesota, why don't they just have another election?

Terry D - CT   March 24th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

The Republicans lost. When will they get the message. Trying to steal an election like they did with Bush and the Supreme court???
Through them out of town.

John H   March 24th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

How the Hell did the Federal Elections Commission get involved in Minnesota elections? This is just another example of a useless bureaucratic committee, tangled in their own shorts, rife with partisan ship politics, trying to prove they have a useful function.

Too bad, Minnesota. You deserve better, especially since important matters and decisions are being made in Washington where you are only half represented. Sounds like a potential lawsuit to me!

Dan, TX   March 24th, 2009 4:53 pm ET

I think 99 Senators is plenty. And isn't Minnesota where Michelle Bachmann is from? Good Lord, we don't need any more people from Minnesoat in Congress.

Sandra   March 24th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

What would happen if multiple districts were this inept at counting votes? The situation in Minnesota makes the US the laughing stock of its claims to be the leader among the world's democracies.

PetePtld   March 24th, 2009 4:49 pm ET

Any conservatives here who can remain calm when talking about this? Here's a tip, brethren on the right. Being really, really, really angry doesn't make you right; it just makes you loud. Being sarcastic doesn't make you right either; it just makes you mean.

If you're looking to convince anyone of the wisdom of your views, you need to stop sounding like a bullying parent yelling at a little league umpire.

Justin, Apple Valley, MN   March 24th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

None of the Coleman/Franken news is even worth reading anymore, until one side concedes and we have a senator sworn in.

John, Rochester MN   March 24th, 2009 4:24 pm ET

Jimmy Boy March 24th, 2009 4:01 pm ET
OK… That's it… Minnesota does not deserve to be represented. If half the voters chose Franken then they just proved they are not people worthy to be represented.
--------------------------------
Clearly, you have no idea what Coleman is like. If you did, you wouldn't say such irresponsible, unpatriotic drivel. Here's an idea for you and your right-wing buddies: Research, think, then speak. In that order. New concept, I know, what with the knee-jerk reactions you're used to from Rush, et al, but trust me, all our lives will be better for it.

Soccer mom from Manhattan   March 24th, 2009 4:24 pm ET

Really? The Feds have money for this foolishness but some officials are debating whether or not we should be funding health care and education? What a joke! Al Franken is our senator from Minnesota. Let's just accept it, deal with it and move on.

Joe V Appleton   March 24th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

For the love of god, Coleman you lost!!

Its time for Norm to look in the mirror and say:

I'm not good enough, I'm not smart enough, and dog gonnit, people just don't like me!!

CWComment   March 24th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

I have to say even through this long, exhausting process it's great to see the power of small still lives in politics. We're talking about a gap of only 225 votes! This is proof that every lit piece mailed, door knocked on, fundraising dollar makes a difference and every vote really does count. A wonderful exercise in democracy.

Holy TARP Money Batman   March 24th, 2009 4:12 pm ET

May the ELECTED elected official be seated. Coleman, sit down, stop whining and help The Unites Stated of AMERICA move forward. By the way, this is the USA and not the USM ( United Stated of MEXICO) right? Oops, I guess I just got bounces because Cnn does not like this commentary (except for Lou Dobbs of course) Has Lou spoken about anything else?

Peter E   March 24th, 2009 4:11 pm ET

I would support Coleman's battle, except for the hypocrisy of it. After the original count, when he was ahead, he said there shouldn't be long court battles, that they should honor the 'will of the people,' expecting that the recount will confirm his win. After the recount, when the tables turned, he seemed to have forgotten about the 'will of the people.'
But I guess the less voice Minnesota has in the senate, the better for the rest of us!

Jimmy Boy   March 24th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

OK... That's it... Minnesota does not deserve to be represented. If half the voters chose Franken then they just proved they are not people worthy to be represented.

JonDie   March 24th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

When will Senate-elect Franken be seated? Coleman lost.

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