Franken Extends His Lead In Minnesota Senate Race

By: Kevin Hechtkopf
Topics: Election 2008

(AP)

Former Republican Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman sued after the recount in his razor-close election battle with Democrat Al Franken, above, showed the former comedian with a 225 vote lead, setting off a legal battle that has dragged for months.

The results of that lawsuit, however, appear to have helped Franken more than Coleman, at least for the time being.

Franken today extended his lead by almost 100 votes, and he now leads Coleman by 312, reports the Associated Press.

Last week, the three-judge panel hearing the case allowed for 351 additional contested absentee ballots to be counted. The count, which happened today, netted Franken more votes than it did Coleman.

But the six-month old battle over the vote, which took place way back on November 4, is not yet over.

For one, there are still other issues pending in this original lawsuit, and the panel hearing the case has not said when it will come to a final resolution, reports The Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Based on the decisions so far, it's expected Franken will prevail when that happens.

After that, Coleman has said he would appeal the decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Kevin Hechtkopf
Kevin Hechtkopf is CBSNews.com's politics editor.
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by actornaught April 8, 2009 1:08 PM EDT: But soon begins the decade of...

Al Franken!; Reply to this comment


by starleo146 April 8, 2009 1:06 PM EDT: We had a election on Nov.4th 2008 and look it is April 2009 and still no decision I know justice is slow but this is ridiculous and Minn. is not being represented every day goes by.; Reply to this comment


by starleo146 April 8, 2009 1:02 PM EDT: The Republicans are engaging in obstructionism, pure and simple. Have they no shame?
Posted by olduncledave-2009 at 6:32 PM : Apr 7, 2009

This is typical tactic of the republican party,always delay anything that may produce a win for democrats,it is the way they work look at the U.S.Senate and how the republicans hold up confirmations ,bills with filibusters and always saying no ,No. Until we voice out loud for every repiblican to hear how wrong this is, they will not stop. So how do we do that at every election make sure you make it heard and vote them out.; Reply to this comment


by abbe91 April 8, 2009 2:49 AM EDT: "Exactly. Looks like Coleman isn't a man at all."
Posted by cs4466 at 3:33 PM : Apr 7, 2009

I guess Coleman is the "Tanya Harding" of American Senate History".

"(...) There are a number of Democrats who are privately very concerned that this is continuing now well into a month.
Al Gore, at this rate, is going to become -- will be remembered as the Tanya Harding of American presidential history,
unwilling to accept the results after we've had a count, a recount, and a selected hand recount in overwhelmingly
Democratic areas.
The American people are saying through the surveys: It's time to bring it to a conclusion."

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R), KENTUCKY
December 4, 2000; Reply to this comment


by vincan-2009 April 8, 2009 12:13 AM EDT: Franken will be seated in the Senate very soon. After today's last counting of ballots this will go to the Minnesota Supreme Court where they will certify the newest Senator Al Franken. I know this just kills republicans who know all about how much Franken will fight to help the middle class. They are the lowest slugs who have done nothing but obstructing all of President Obama's nominees. They make me sick.; Reply to this comment


by cmc1227 April 7, 2009 11:27 PM EDT: Franken may be a good Senator but honestly he is one FUGLY person. That face not even a mother could love. Yuck!; Reply to this comment


by UR_Majesty April 7, 2009 10:43 PM EDT: Franken , What a sick joke....; Reply to this comment


by Honorplease April 7, 2009 10:32 PM EDT: You lost Coleman.
Just come out of the closet and admit it; Reply to this comment


by mrzerato April 7, 2009 9:57 PM EDT: Coleman cannot win at this point. His only function from here on out will be to tie this up in the courts as long as possible. The GOP will pay him well for this.
Posted by jroach31

He was paid well when he was a senator by Nasser Kazeminy, room and payments to his wife. So why wouldn't he think he wouldn't take payoffs from the republican establishment. Just another republican with his hand out.; Reply to this comment


by olduncledave-2009 April 7, 2009 9:32 PM EDT: The Republicans are engaging in obstructionism, pure and simple. Have they no shame?; Reply to this comment