Minnesota recount margin within 100 votes: Franken campaign RAW STORY

Published: Friday November 21, 2008





Print This Email This Republican Norm Coleman's lead in the Minnesota Senate race has shrunk to just 136 votes as a recount enters its third day Friday, although opponent Al Franken's campaign says the margin is even slimmer.



The Hill reported Friday: The Franken camp is using a tally from their election observers, which they claim is more accurate than that of Minnesotas secretary of state.



The Franken team has volunteers stationed at every recount location throughout the state. And they claim those observers have reported the Democratic candidate has made up enough votes to cut Coleman's lead to fewer than 100 votes.



But Frankens tally included challenged ballots where neutral, local officials ruled on voter intent. The officials' determination can be overturned by the states Board of Canvassers, but Frankens campaign said the official determinations are a reliable baseline. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that DFL candidate Al Franken has gained 79 votes since the recount began Tuesday.



Franken's campaign told reporters their gains were even more substantial and claimed the margin in the race was below 100 votes.



Both campaigns are optimistic about their prospects, and each is challenging several ballots where the voters' intention is unclear.



Elections officials have recounted about 46 percent of the 2.9 million ballots cast, and with such a slim margin separating the two candidates, it could be disputed ballots that decide the outcome. As of Thursday, both campaigns had challenged 734 ballots, according to Minnesota Public Radio.



It will be up to a five-member canvassing board to decide whether a voter's intent can be determined on the disputed ballots. A board member estimates there may be more than 1,500 ballots in dispute by the time the recount is over.



Conservatives are attempting to sow doubt about the validity of the recount itself, perhaps worrying that Coleman might lose. Franken's campaign lawyer rebutted charges of irregularity in a letter to the Wall Street Journal Friday.



If Franken emerges victorious, Democrats will control 59 seats in the US Senate. Another senate race, in Georgia, will be decided by a re-vote next month. If Democrat Jim Martin wins there, the party will have enough votes to overcome GOP filibusters.



