Franken probable winner of hotly contested Minn. race Andrew McLemore

Published: Saturday January 3, 2009





Print This Email This Democrat Al Franken appears to have gained a winning lead in his hotly contested race with Republican incumbent Norm Coleman over a Minnesota senate seat.



Franken holds an unofficial lead of 226 votes as state officials counted previously rejected absentee ballots in St. Paul, according to a newspaper tally.



There were more than 900 in the pile that were counted Saturday.



As Coleman's term as a US Senator ended at noon Washington time on Saturday, the new figures are bad news for the GOP senator.



But though the recount has been completed, the final decision may rest with the Minnesota Supreme Court, which is still considering a request from Coleman's campaign to add more absentee ballots to be reconsidered, effectively altering the traditional process of a recount.



Coleman's campaign objected to Saturday's recount before it began. Attorney Tony Trimble demanded the counting wait until the state Supreme Court made a decision on its request to add hundreds of additional ballots to the mix.



"We feel you are proceeding in a very inconsistent and unconstitutional manner," Trimble told representatives of the secretary of state's office.



Coleman said there is little doubt the outcome of the election will be challenged if he is on the losing end.



The GOP has also said it will block any attempt by Democrats to seat Franken.



