Digital News Report- Attorneys with incumbent Senator Norm Coleman’s campaign have moved to halt the recount of 950 rejected absentee ballots in the Minnesota senate race between Coleman and DFL nominee Al Franken. Coleman is currently behind Franken by about 225 votes. After the general election in November, it was determined that the race between the two was too close to call and a recount was ordered.
The campaigns have been in a heated dispute over which ballots should be recounted. Local official counted 1,350 improperly rejected ballots and Franken’s campaign wanted those to be counted. However, Coleman’s campaign found problems with hundreds of them and wanted to add about 650 more ballots to the recount. In return, Franken’s campaign took issue with the newly added ballots. The sides cannot agree on which ballots should remain and which should be rejected. The canvassing board is ultimately in charge of the recount and, at this time, has counted 950 improperly rejected ballots.
Coleman has now asked for the intervention of the states high court. Some Republicans have also threatened a filibuster to block Democrats from seating Franken before an official certificate is signed if he is declared the winner. No matter who comes out ahead in the final count, officials have stated that they expect court challenges.
In a statement to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune, Minnesota’s other senator, Democrat Amy Clobuchar said that if the state Canvassing Board certifies a winner, the Senate should “consider seating that person pending litigation.”
The secretary of states office could have a result as early as Monday. With Coleman’s camp threatening further visits to the high court if Franken wins, it could be weeks or months until a senator is actually seated.