by Deb Cupples | In Minnesota on Wednesday, Republican U.S. Senator Norm Coleman was 725 votes ahead of his Democratic challenger Al Franken. On Thursday, Coleman's lead shrunk to 336 votes. Yesterday, Coleman's lead was down to 239.
The Washington Post reports:
"The recount in that election will not be completed until mid-December, and even then, a candidate or voter can challenge the outcome, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie said. Sen. Norm Coleman (R) held a 239-vote lead over Democrat Al Franken as of late yesterday. That margin of less than 0.5 percentage points triggers an automatic recount under Minnesota law." (WaPo)
Despite his razor-thin lead, Sen. Coleman asked Mr. Franken to waive his right to an automatic recount. Apparently, Sen. Coleman felt that the taxpayers had already spent enough money on the original election and didn't need to spend more to learn whether the results were accurate.
Mr. Franken's response to the waiver-request:
"Franken said on Minnesota Public Radio that he will not waive the recount. 'This is the closest race in Minnesota history, the closest Senate race and the closest race anywhere in the country. This is just part of the process to make sure every vote is counted,' he said, adding: 'Candidates don't get to decide when an election's over -- voters do.'"
Memeorandum has commentary.
Coleman is a tool. His asking Franken to waive the recount is just a ridiculously obvious example of why he should be tossed out.
Posted by: MoJo | November 11, 2008 at 03:12 AM
Mojo,
I certainly agree with you.
Posted by: Deb Cupples (Buck Naked Politics) | November 15, 2008 at 08:30 PM