2008 United States Senate election in Minnesota

none March 2026 December 2017 2008 United States Senate election in Minnesota Minnesota 1983 presidential no 2002 United States Senate election in Minnesota 2002 2014 United States Senate election in Minnesota 2014 November 4, 2008 150x150px Al Franken Official Senate Portrait.jpg Al Franken Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party 1,212,629 41.99% NormColemanCrop2.jpg Norm Coleman Republican Party of Minnesota 1,212,317 41.98% Dean Barkley official portrait (cropped).jpg Dean Barkley Independence Party (Minnesota) 437,505 15.15% 280px County results 280px Precinct results 1 270px Franken: #BDD3FF 30–40% #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90%Coleman: #FFC8CD 30–40% #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90% #A80000 >90%Barkley: #aae5aa 30–40% #87de87 40–50% #5fd35f 50–60% #37c837 60–70%Tie: #DECDE6 30–40% #d2b1d9 40–50% #ae8bb1 50% #808080 No votes U.S. Senator Norm Coleman Republican Party (United States) Al Franken Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Flag of Minnesota (1983–2024).svg The 2008 United States Senate election in Minnesota took place on November 4, 2008. After a legal battle lasting over eight months, the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) candidate, Al Franken, defeated Republican incumbent Norm Coleman in one of the closest elections in the history of the Senate, with Coleman's Senate predecessor Dean Barkley taking third place. Franken took his oath of office on July 7, 2009, more than half a year after the end of Coleman's term on January 3, 2009. http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=F000457 FRANKEN, Al – Biographical Information July 7, 2009 July 7, 2009 US Congress When the initial count was completed on November 18, Franken was trailing Coleman by 215 votes.http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/postpercanvassingreport1117250p.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20081119133226/http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/postpercanvassingreport1117250p.pdf dead November 19, 2008 State of Minnesota Canvassing Report November 18, 2008 January 7, 2009 Minnesota Secretary of State https://www.twincities.com/ci_11017250 Recount begins in U.S. Senate race; Ritchie hit with 'blizzard' of filings November 19, 2008 TwinCities.com The close margin triggered a mandatory recount.Senate race 100% counted: Coleman up; recount coming https://web.archive.org/web/20081108040234/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/33829369.html November 8, 2008 , Star Tribune, November 5, 2008.Patricia Lopez and Bob von Sternberg. Day 4: Ballot-counters press on, find glitches https://web.archive.org/web/20090324191831/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/34937884.html March 24, 2009 . Star Tribune. November 23, 2008. Retrieved November 23, 2008. After reviewing ballots that had been challenged during the recount and counting 953 wrongly rejected absentee ballots, the State Canvassing Board officially certified the recount results with Franken holding a 225-vote lead.http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20081104/ElecRslts.asp?M=S&R=all&P=A&Races=%27%27 Election Reporting Minnesota Secretary of State January 7, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081120032829/http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20081104/ElecRslts.asp?M=S&R=all&P=A&Races=%27%27 November 20, 2008 mdy http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/05/minnesota-canvassing-board-certifies-franken-win/ https://web.archive.org/web/20090306115359/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/05/minnesota-canvassing-board-certifies-franken-win/ dead March 6, 2009 Minnesota canvassing board certifies Franken win January 5, 2009 CNN Political Ticker January 7, 2009https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aiBbdGgw_u0U&refer=home Democrat Franken Wins Minnesota Recount, Coleman Vows Challenge Stern Christopher January 5, 2009 Bloomberg January 5, 2009 On January 6, 2009, Coleman's campaign filed an election contest and on April 13, a three-judge panel dismissed Coleman's Notice of Contest and ruled that Franken had won the election by 312 votes. http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/60825/COLEMANvFRANKENfinalfindingsoffact.pdf Finding of Facts, Conclusion of Law, and Order for Judgment Minnesota Judicial Branch Judges Elizabeth Hayden Kurt Marben Denise Reilley amp http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/42932907.html Judges rule Franken winner; Coleman to appeal Pat Doyle Star Tribune April 14, 2009 April 14, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090418213143/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/42932907.html April 18, 2009 Coleman's appeal of the panel's decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court was unanimously rejected on June 30,https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/06/30/us/AP-US-Minnesota-Senate.html?_r=1 Minn. Court Rules for Franken in Senate Fight The New York Times June 30, 2009August 2010 RjwilmsiBot and he subsequently conceded the election.https://www.politico.com/story/2009/06/coleman-concedes-race-to-franken-024383 Norm Coleman concedes Minnesota Senate race to Al Franken – Manu Raju and Josh Kraushaar June 30, 2009 Politico.Com June 13, 2010 Franken was sworn in as the junior senator from Minnesota on July 7.https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-franken8-2009jul08,0,6145636.story Al Franken sworn in, with a straight face July 8, 2009 Faye Fiore Los Angeles Times July 7, 2009 With a margin of just 0.01%, this election was the closest race of the 2008 Senate election cycle. Primaries In Minnesota, candidates are generally endorsed by their political parties before the party primaries. The Republican Party endorsed Norm Coleman,Zdechlik Mark Coleman campaign ramps up behind the scenes Minnesota Public Radio March 3, 2008 https://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/03/01/colemancampaign/ March 12, 2008 and the DFL Party Al Franken.Les says http://ww3.startribune.com/bigquestionblog/?p=1062 https://archive.today/20120530055911/http://ww3.startribune.com/bigquestionblog/?p=1062 dead May 30, 2012 The Big Question » Blog Archive » It's Franken in One Ww3.startribune.com June 7, 2008 June 13, 2010 In total 18 candidates had filed to run in the statewide primaries, including seven for the DFL Party, two for the Republican Party, seven for the Independence Party, one for the Libertarian Party, and one for the Constitution Party. TwinCities.comhttp://www.sos.state.mn.us Minnesota Secretary of State Sos.state.mn.us June 13, 2010 Notable challengers included former Ventura administration official Jack Uldrich and former Senator Dean Barkley for the IP nomination; lawyer and vocal Franken critic Priscilla Lord Faris for the DFL nomination; and dentist and fugitivehttps://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2006/07/jack_is_back_1.shtml Jack is back! Minnesota.publicradio.org June 13, 2010 Jack Shepard for the Republican nomination. Minneapolis attorney Mike Ciresi also campaigned for the DFL endorsement, but dropped out on March 10. Each party's respective primary was held on September 9, resulting in Barkley, Franken and Coleman on the general election ballot. DFL Democratic–Farmer–Labor primary resultshttp://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20080909/ElecRslts.asp?M=S&R=all Primary Election Results Minnesota Secretary of State Website dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081114193353/http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20080909/ElecRslts.asp?M=S&R=all November 14, 2008 mdy-all Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Al Franken 164,136 65.34% Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Priscilla Lord Faris 74,655 29.72% Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Dick Franson 3,923 1.56% Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Bob Larson 3,152 1.25% Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Rob Fitzgerald 3,095 1.23% Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Ole Savior 1,227 0.49% Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Alve Erickson 1,017 0.40% 251,205 100.00% The following candidates sought an endorsement at the party's convention, but dropped out after Franken was endorsed: Mike Ciresi, Jim Cohen and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. Independence Independence primary results Independence Party (Minnesota) Dean Barkley 6,678 58.88% Independence Party (Minnesota) Jack Uldrich 1,405 12.39% Independence Party (Minnesota) Stephen Williams 800 7.05% Independence Party (Minnesota) Kurt Michael Anderson 761 6.71% Independence Party (Minnesota) Doug Williams 639 5.63% Independence Party (Minnesota) Darryl Stanton 618 5.45% Independence Party (Minnesota) Bill Dahn 440 3.88% 11,341 100.00% Though Stephen Williams was endorsed by the Independence Party,2008-06-22 I-P backs Williams for Senate, Tinklenberg for House https://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/06/22/i-p-backs-williams-for-senate-tinklenberg-for-house 2024-06-03 MPR News en he lost to former Senator Dean Barkley by over 51 points and was third place in the primary behind Jack Uldrich. Republican Republican primary results Republican Party of Minnesota Norm Coleman (incumbent) 130,973 91.32% Republican Party of Minnesota Jack Shepard 12,456 8.68% 143,429 100.00% General election Candidates The general election was among candidates nominated by three major parties, the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), the Republican Party of Minnesota (R), and the Independence Party of Minnesota, as well as two other parties, the Libertarian Party (L) and the Constitution Party (C). The Green Party failed to nominate a candidate.http://www.mngreens.org/node/201 Green Party holds state convention Mngreens.org June 13, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110615152542/http://www.mngreens.org/node/201 June 15, 2011 mdy-all Charles Aldrich (L) Dean Barkley (IP), former U.S. senator and co-founder of the Minnesota Independence Partyhttp://kstp.com/article/stories/s510995.shtml?cat=1 kstp.com - Ventura out, Barkley in February 11, 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080802035051/http://kstp.com/article/stories/s510995.shtml?cat=1 August 2, 2008Jesse the Diva gives way to bravado-lite Barkley. https://web.archive.org/web/20080719111342/http://www.minnpost.com/dailyglean/2008/07/15/2566/daily_glean_jesse_the_diva_gives_way_to_bravado-lite_barkley July 19, 2008 Minnesota Post, July 15, 2008. Retrieved November 7, 2008. Norm Coleman (R), incumbent U.S. Senator and former mayor of St. Paul Al Franken (DFL), former Air America radio talk-show host, writer, comedian, and political commentator James Niemackl (C) Fundraising 2007 year-end reports filed with the Federal Election Commission showed that Franken had raised $7.04 million through December 31, 2007, while Coleman had raised $6.24 million. Year-end cash on hand was $6.04 million for Coleman and $3.10 million for Franken.Candidate Filings, Federal Election Commission, year-end 2007 Pre-primary reports filed with the FEC on August 20 showed Coleman as having raised $16.76 million (with $5.61 million on hand), Franken $13.09 million (with $2.37 million on hand), and Barkley $14,374 (with $5,071 on hand).2008 Race: Minnesota Senate—Total Raised and Spent opensecrets.org OpenSecrets September 1, 2008 http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.php?id=MNS1&cycle=2008 September 18, 2008 A late October Star Tribune report showed Barkley as having raised $56,763. http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/33285144.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUss October 25, 2008 November 4, 2008 Five things to know about Dean Barkley Star Tribune January 22, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090122135937/http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/33285144.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUss dead Predictions SourceRankingAs of The Cook Political Report2008 Senate Race ratings for October 23, 2008 https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 The Cook Political Report April 1, 2021 June 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210625160336/https://cookpolitical.com/ratings/senate-race-ratings/139080 dead TossupOctober 23, 2008 CQ PoliticsRace Ratings Chart: Senate https://web.archive.org/web/20101028234525/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=ratings-senate October 28, 2010 CQ Politics TossupOctober 31, 2008 Rothenberg Political Report2008 Senate ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2008-senate-ratings Inside Elections April 1, 2021 TossupNovember 2, 2008 Real Clear Politics2008 RCP Averages & Senate Results https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/senate/election_2008_senate_races.html Real Clear Politics August 31, 2021 TossupNovember 1, 2008 Polling right|350px|Opinion polls show Franken narrowing Coleman's lead after the primaries. Early polling showed Coleman with a large lead over his prospective Democratic opponents. But the race narrowed considerably, becoming one of the most hotly contested elections in the nation in 2008. A January 29, 2008 poll from Minnesota Public Radio showed the first lead for Franken.See Minnesota United States Senate election, 2008#Polling Barkley consistently polled in the 15–20% range and was unable to break past 20%. Poll source Date(s)administered NormColeman (R) AlFranken (DFL) DeanBarkley (IP)Survey USASurvey USA November 1, 2008 44% 39% 16%Star TribuneStar Tribune October 29–31, 2008 38% 42% 15%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports October 28, 2008 43% 39% 14%Rasmussen Reports October 22, 2008 37% 41% 17%University of Wisconsin–MadisonUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison October 19–22, 2008 34% 40% 15%St. Cloud State UniversitySt. Cloud State University https://web.archive.org/web/20081029070320/http://media1.stcloudstate.edu/slideshows/SCSUSurveyResultsFall2008.pdf October 29, 2008 October 14–22, 2008 36% 27% 16%Minneapolis Star TribuneMinneapolis Star Tribune October 21, 2008 36% 39% 18%Survey USASurvey USA October 8–18, 2008 41% 39% 18%Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University October 8–12, 2008 36% 38% 18%Rasmussen Reports October 7, 2008 37% 43% 17%Minneapolis Star TribuneMinneapolis Star Tribune September 30 – October 2, 2008 34% 43% 18%SurveyUSASurveyUSA https://web.archive.org/web/20081008102424/http://kstp.com/kstpImages/Senate_Poll_10208.pdf October 8, 2008 September 30 – October 1, 2008 43% 33% 19%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac September 14–21, 2008 49% 42%Rasmussen Reports September 18, 2008 48% 47% 3%Minneapolis Star-TribuneMinneapolis Star-Tribune September 10–12, 2008 41% 37% 13%Survey USASurvey USA https://web.archive.org/web/20080917163425/http://kstp.com/article/stories/S578323.shtml?cat=89 September 17, 2008 September 12, 2008 41% 40% 14%Survey USASurvey USA https://web.archive.org/web/20160118212350/http://www.kaaltv.com/article/stories/S546618.shtml?cat=10728/ January 18, 2016 August 18, 2008 46% 39%Minnesota Public RadioMinnesota Public Radio July 2016 InternetArchiveBot yes August 17, 2008 40% 41%Rasmussen Reports August 13, 2008 49% 46%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac July 24, 2008 53% 38%Rasmussen Reports July 22, 2008 46% 49%Rasmussen Reports July 10, 2008 42% 44%KSTPKSTP https://web.archive.org/web/20081207043720/http://kstp.com/article/stories/s510995.shtml?cat=1/ December 7, 2008 **In the June 13, 2008 poll with Barkley included, you have to watch the video till 2:03. They release the poll results there. June 13, 2008 48% 37% 8%Rasmussen Reports June 9, 2008 48% 45%QuinnipiacQuinnipiac June 26, 2008 51% 41%Survey USASurvey USA June 10–12, 2008 52% 40%Rasmussen Reports June 11, 2008 48% 45%Rasmussen Reports May 22, 2008 47% 45%Minneapolis Star-TribuneMinneapolis Star-Tribune May 12–15, 2008 51% 44%Survey USASurvey USA April 30 – May 1, 2008 52% 42%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports April 22, 2008 50% 43%Rasmussen ReportsRasmussen Reports March 19, 2008 48% 46%Survey USASurvey USA March 12, 2008 51% 41%McLaughlin & AssociatesMcLaughlin & Associates March 6–9, 2008 46% 40%Minnesota Public Radio/Humphrey InstituteMinnesota Public Radio/Humphrey Institute January 20–27, 2008 40% 43%Minnesota Public Radio/Mason DixonMinnesota Public Radio/Mason Dixon May 7–9, 2007 54% 32% Results After all the votes were tallied, Coleman led Franken by 215 votes—well under the 0.5% margin that triggers a mandatory recount according to state law. Early on November 5, news organizations including the Associated Press, Minnesota Public Radio, and Fox NewsColeman Appears Victor as Minnesota Goes to Recount Senate Race. Fox News, November 5, 2008. Retrieved November 7, 2008. called the election for Coleman. NPR and the AP uncalled the race mere hours later.AP uncalls race due to slim margin, Minnesota Public Radio, November 5, 2008. Retrieved November 8, 2008. Coleman declared himself the victor, and suggested that Franken waive his right to a recount. Franken was unwilling to do so.Recount: The Coleman-Franken brawl drags on. Star Tribune, November 6, 2008. Retrieved November 7, 2008. Since the unofficial results were first posted on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, Coleman's lead had narrowed from 726 votes on November 5 to the official pre-recount tally of 215 votes on November 18. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie called these changes "well within the normal range in the days immediately following an election, when county officials double check and verify election night tabulations reported to the secretary of state's office", while Coleman's campaign decried the "improbable shifts that are overwhelmingly accruing to the benefit of Al Franken."PAT DOYLE Star Tribune http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/34181604.html For Ritchie, keeping recount nonpartisan is main goal Startribune.com November 10, 2008 June 13, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090324191810/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/34181604.html March 24, 2009 An independent analysis of statewide elections over the previous 10 years showed that the average change in vote totals as reported on election night compared to the certified result was 1,500 votes. Nelson Tim Shifting vote totals not unusual Minnesota Public Radio November 12, 2008 https://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/11/shifting_vote_totals_not_unusual/ November 13, 2008 The results were certified by each county's canvassing board and then on November 18, 2008, by the Minnesota State Canvassing Board. 2008 United States Senate election in Minnesota: Results certified November 18, 2008http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/postpercanvassingreport1117250p.pdf Minnesota Secretary of State November 18, 2008 January 6, 2009 Canvassing Report of Votes Cast at the State General Election, November 4, 2008 November 19, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081119133226/http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/postpercanvassingreport1117250p.pdf dead Minnesota Secretary of State November 18, 2008 January 6, 2009 Canvassing Board Meeting—Nov. 18, 2008: Official minutes http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/state_canvassing_board_meeting_minutes_november_18_2008.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090203035510/http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/state_canvassing_board_meeting_minutes_november_18_2008.pdf February 3, 2009 dead mdy-all Republican Party of Minnesota Norm Coleman (incumbent) 1,211,590 41.988% −7.541% Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Al Franken 1,211,375 41.981% −5.355% Independence Party (Minnesota) Dean Barkley 437,404 15.19% +13.16% Libertarian Party (United States) Charles Aldrich 13,916 0.48% n/a Constitution Party (United States) James Niemackl 8,905 0.31% +0.21% 2,365 0.08% 215 0.007% 2,885,555 Note: The ±% column reflects the change in total number of votes won by each party from the previous election. Additionally, votes cast for Paul Wellstone in the 2002 election are not factored into the DFL's total from that year. Recount thumb|left|256px|Recounting ballots by hand in Olmsted County In accordance with state law, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board ordered a hand recount.https://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/18/canvassboard/ Canvassing board orders Senate recount Tom Scheck November 18, 2008 Representatives of Coleman and Franken observed the sorting and recounting of the ballots at 120 locations across the state on November 19, and largely finished on December 5. The votes were counted locally, but ballots that were challenged by either campaign were sent to the state capital for consideration by the State Canvassing Board. The board was a five-person panel consisting of Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson, Justice G. Barry Anderson, Ramsey County District Court Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin, and Assistant Chief Judge Edward Cleary; they made determinations of voter intent for ballots where either of the campaign's representatives disagreed with the election officials at the county sites. Of the five Canvassing Board members, Ritchie was an elected DFLer, the two justices were appointed by a Republican governor, one judge was appointed by an Independence Party governor, and one was elected in a nonpartisan election. Scheck Tom Key panel named in Minn. Senate recount Minnesota Public radio November 12, 2008 https://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/11/12/judges_justices_named_minn_recount/ November 13, 2008 thumb|right|Hennepin County ballot paper Of Minnesota's 4,130 precincts, one had to delay reporting its totals because election officials deduced that 133 ballots, all in a single envelope, had gone missing during the recount process.https://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_11142337 St. Paul Pioneer Press December 7, 2008 December 5, 2008 On last day's eve, envelope with 133 votes is missing Dave Orrick Jason Hoppin amp After days of searching,Ballot hunt ends, next stage begins St. Paul Pioneer Press. the State Canvassing Board decided to use that precinct's election day totals, which included the missing 133 votes.Kleefeld Eric http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/in_boost_to_franken_minnesota.php TPM Election Central | Talking Points Memo | In Boost To Franken, Minnesota Restores Missing Ballots To The Count Tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com December 12, 2008 June 13, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110718052715/http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/in_boost_to_franken_minnesota.php July 18, 2011 mdy-all The 133 missing ballots contributed a net 46 votes for Franken. By the end of the recount, each candidate had gained votes. In total, Coleman had challenged 3,377 ballots and Franken had challenged 3,278. These ballots were set aside until the State Canvassing Board could meet on December 16 to decide the fate of challenged ballots. But Ritchie's office insisted that each campaign voluntarily withdraw some of its challenges, due to the strain a large pile of ballot challenges would place on the State Canvassing Board. On December 3, Franken's campaign withdrew 633 of its challenges and said that it would withdraw more at a later date.https://www.twincities.com/ci_11133194 Minnesota U.S. Senate Race / Glut of ballot challenges chokes recount St. Paul Pioneer Press December 4, 2008 December 4, 2008 Rachel E. Stassen-Berger Jason Hoppin amp The next day, Coleman's campaign responded by withdrawing 650 challenges.https://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11137524 Coleman campaign withdraws 650 ballot challenges Dave Orrick St. Paul Pioneer Press December 4, 2008 December 4, 2008 By the time all the ballots that Franken's campaign challenged were examined, only 420 challenges were left that had not been withdrawn,http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36296064.html?page=2&c=y Star Tribune State Canvassing Board faces big challenge today Pate Doyle Kevin Duchschere Bob Von Sternberg amp December 22, 2008 December 18, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090122121556/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36296064.html?page=2&c=y January 22, 2009 Ballot hunt ends, next stage begins St. Paul Pioneer Press while Coleman's campaign had roughly 1,000.http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36225984.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c::D3aDhUxWoW_oD:EaDUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU Pate Doyle Kevin Duchschere Bob Von Sternberg amp December 22, 2008 December 17, 2008 Star Tribune Senate recount: Trying to fill in the ovals dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090324191527/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36225984.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c%3A%3AD3aDhUxWoW_oD%3AEaDUiD3aPc%3A_Yyc%3AaUU March 24, 2009 The Secretary of State's website had noted that none of the withdrawn ballot challenges were reflected in the running tally of the recount. Scheck Tom Canvassing Board continues tedious process of reviewing ballots December 17, 2000 https://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/16/canvassing_board_continues_tedious_process_of_reviewing_ballots/ December 17, 2008 By December 19, the State Canvassing Board had largely concluded its review of the campaigns' ballot challenges. Of the 1,325 ballots that were reviewed, 319 were awarded to Coleman, 758 to Franken, and 248 were labeled "other". According to the AP,https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMpTmr96V5hKIfyHT4Av4jsVQgrQD955RO000 The Associated Press: Franken opens first lead in Minn. Senate race February 20, 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081222140600/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMpTmr96V5hKIfyHT4Av4jsVQgrQD955RO000 December 22, 2008 MPR,https://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/19/franken_leads/ Franken takes lead in Senate recount | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ Minnesota.publicradio.org December 19, 2008 June 13, 2010 and the Star Tribune,http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36436799.html Star Tribune Star Tribune December 22, 2008June 2016 medicmedic the resolution of these challenges marked the first time Franken took a lead in the recount. On December 30, the board finished reallocating the withdrawn challenges, completing that phase of the recount and leaving Franken with a 49-vote lead.http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/cf_2008recountsummary_8.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20090117160333/http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/cf_2008recountsummary_8.pdf dead January 17, 2009 Minnesota Secretary of State Recount Summary December 30, 2008 December 31, 2008 https://www.twincities.com/ci_11336331 St. Paul Pioneer Press December 30, 2008 December 30, 2008 Franken leads by 50 Rachel E. Stassen-BergerThe Recount / State high court hears fight over duplicates St. Paul Pioneer Press December 23, 2008 December 23, 2008 https://www.twincities.com/ci_11292229?nclick_check=1 Dave Orrickhttp://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36630979.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c::D3aDhUxWoW_oD:EaDUiacyKUnciaec8O7EyU December 23, 2008 December 23, 2008 Minnesota won't have new senator before 2009 as board's deliberations spill into new year Star Tribune Brian Bakst dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081227212730/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36630979.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c%3A%3AD3aDhUxWoW_oD%3AEaDUiacyKUnciaec8O7EyU December 27, 2008 One of the last—and largest—sources of uncertainty was the absentee ballots that election officials had improperly rejected during the original count. Franken's campaign asked for those ballots to be tallied by each county and counted in the recount results, while Coleman's campaign said the canvassing board did not have the authority to deal with the ballots. On December 8, some counties began sorting rejected absentee ballots to find out how many were incorrectly rejected.https://www.twincities.com/ci_11151012 December 6, 2008 December 7, 2008 Senate recount ends amid many questions St. Paul Pioneer Press Rachel E. Stassen-Berger Dave Orrick amp On December 12, the Board voted unanimously to recommend counties sort through their rejected absentee ballots, setting aside any that were incorrectly rejected and resubmitting their vote totals with the incorrectly rejected ballots included.Kleefeld Eric http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/franken_gets_big_win_at_canvas.php TPM Election Central | Talking Points Memo | Franken Gets Big Win At Canvass Board Tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com December 12, 2008 June 13, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101218130057/http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/franken_gets_big_win_at_canvas.php December 18, 2010 mdy-all The Coleman campaign filed suit with the state Supreme Court to temporarily halt such counting until "a standard procedure" could be determined,http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36043514.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUs Senate recount: 133 + 5 ÷ 87 = 1 big muddle Startribune.com December 12, 2008 June 13, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090324191758/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36043514.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O%3ADW3ckUiD3aPc%3A_Yyc%3AaULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUs March 24, 2009 but the State Supreme Court ruled on December 18 that the improperly rejected absentee ballots be included in the recount.https://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/12/18/court_orders_rejected_absentees_into_senate_count/ Court orders rejected absentees into Senate count | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ Minnesota.publicradio.org December 18, 2008 June 13, 2010 The Court also prescribed that a standard procedure be established by the Secretary of State's office in conjunction with the two campaigns. As of December 30, county officials had found about 1,350 wrongly rejected ballots. The Franken campaign agreed to count all those ballots, while the Coleman campaign agreed to a subset and wanted to reconsider more than 700 other absentee ballots. On December 30 and 31, representatives of both campaigns met with officials in each county and sorted through the absentee ballots. After some were rejected by one campaign or the other, 953 ballots were sent to the secretary of state's office. The "fifth pile" of wrongly rejected absentee ballots was opened, checked for identifying marks, and counted (where found eligible) on January 3, 2009. Of the 933 ballots found to be eligible, 481 were for Franken; 305 were for Coleman; and 147 were for other candidates or were overvotes or undervotes. The process was broadcast live online. The state canvassing board certified the recounted vote totals on January 5 with Franken ahead by 225 votes. Former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson, a Republican who did not endorse a candidate in the 2008 Senate race, called for Coleman to concede.https://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/01/06/former_gov_carlson_urges_coleman_to_concede/ Former Gov. Carlson urges Coleman to concede | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ Minnesota.publicradio.org January 6, 2009 June 13, 2010 2008 United States Senate election in Minnesota: Results certified January 5, 2009http://the-uptake.groups.theuptake.org/en/videogalleryView/id/1573/ Signing Off On A 225 Vote Franken Lead (webcast of Canvassing Board Meeting) The Uptake January 5, 2009 January 5, 2009 February 3, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090203095837/http://the-uptake.groups.theuptake.org/en/videogalleryView/id/1573 dead http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/recount_summary_with_ab.pdf Minnesota Secretary of State January 5, 2009 January 7, 2009 Final Recount Summary by County dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090121144412/http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/recount_summary_with_ab.pdf January 21, 2009 mdy-all Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Al Franken 1,212,431 41.991% −5.35% Republican Party of Minnesota Norm Coleman (incumbent) 1,212,206 41.984% −7.55% Independence Party (Minnesota) Dean Barkley 437,505 15.15% +13.15% Libertarian Party (United States) Charles Aldrich 13,923 0.48% n/a Constitution Party (United States) James Niemackl 8,907 0.31% +0.21% 2,365 0.08% 225 0.007% 2,887,337 † Note: The ±% column reflects the change in total number of votes won by each party from the previous election. Additionally, votes cast for Paul Wellstone in the 2002 election are not factored into the DFL's total from that year. Election certificate After the Canvassing Board finished the recount, the next step was for the state to issue an official certificate of election. State law requires a seven-day delay from the Canvassing Board's final report until the certificate can be issued and signed by Ritchie and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Furthermore, state law states that a certificate cannot be issued if an election contest is pending. On January 12, 2009, Franken sent Ritchie and Pawlenty letters requesting an election certificate. Both declined, citing Coleman's unresolved election contest.http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/37477344.html January 12, 2009 January 13, 2009 Franken tries to sidestep courts Star Tribune Patricia Lopez Mike Kaszuba amp dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090122224356/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/37477344.html January 22, 2009 Later that day, Franken sued in federal court to force the state to issue a certificate, claiming that federal law relating to Senate elections superseded state law. The next day his campaign asked the Minnesota Supreme Court to require Pawlenty and Ritchie to issue the certificate,Steller, Chris Franken to Supreme Court: Make Pawlenty and Ritchie issue election certificate http://minnesotaindependent.com/23085/franken-to-supreme-court-make-pawlenty-and-ritchie-issue-election-certificate January 13, 2009 Minnesota Independent January 13, 2009 and the court held a hearing on the suit on February 5.Page, Alan C. Order A09-64 https://www.mncourts.gov/Documents/0/Public/Other/2008%20Elections/Order.1.14.09.pdf Minnesota Judicial Branch January 14, 2008 January 14, 2009 Texas Senator John Cornyn said that GOP senators were prepared to filibuster the seating of the canvassing board's declared winner until a signed election certificate was available, as provided under Minnesota law.https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=204C.40 Minnesota Statutes 204C.40 Certificates of Election January 4, 2009 Minnesota Office of Revisor of Statuteshttps://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/02/mn.recount.cornyn/?iref=mpstoryview Senate GOP prepared to fight if Dems try to seat Franken Welch Chris January 3, 2009 CNN January 7, 2009 On January 21, 2009, the day after the inauguration of President Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said that Senate Democrats were "going to try to seat Al Franken" at least provisionally until the challenge was resolved. Reid also said that there was "not a question in anyone's mind...that there's been any fraud or wrongdoing in this election." Senate Republican leaders countered this by insisting that Franken respect Minnesota law and allow the completion of the legal review.https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090121/ap_on_go_co/senate_franken/ Senate Democrats move toward seating Franken - Yahoo! News January 23, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090125130248/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090121/ap_on_go_co/senate_franken January 25, 2009 Senate Democrats move toward seating Franken Election contest Coleman filed a contest of the election results in the Ramsey County District Court on January 6, 2009.http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/37148069.html Coleman goes to court over Senate recount Startribune.com January 7, 2009 June 13, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090324191721/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/37148069.html March 24, 2009 In it, he alleged ballot counting irregularities that, if corrected, would result in his winning the election.http://www.mncourts.gov/?page=3409 Minnesota Senate Seat Election Contest Minnesota Courts January 6, 2009 January 6, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081226082736/http://www.mncourts.gov/?page=3409 December 26, 2008 Among other issues, he alleged that there were double-counted duplicate ballots, 654 valid absentee votes rejected as invalid by county election officials,http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/37047159.html Kevin Duchschere Mike Kaszuba amp Franken up 225 with recount complete; focus turns to court Minneapolis Star-Tribune January 3, 2009 January 4, 2009https://www.twincities.com/ci_11364794 Franken's lead grows in recount finale Rachel E. Stassen-Berger January 4, 2009 January 4, 2009 St. Paul Pioneer Press and problems in dealing with the lost ballots in a Minneapolis precinct.https://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11359235?source=topixheadlines St. Paul Pioneer Press Recount wrapping up. Then what? January 5, 2009 Jason Hoppin Dave Orrick amp January 3, 2009 Under Minnesota law the chief justice of the state Supreme Court appoints a three-judge panel to hear an election contest. Because Chief Justice Magnuson had served on the state canvassing board, he recused himself, passing the task to Alan Page, the senior justice on the court.Weiner, Jay Black, Eric amp Recount notebook: Musings on Franken-Coleman maneuvers, Supreme Court 'leanings,' and more http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/01/08/5689/recount_notebook_musings_on_franken-coleman_maneuvers_supreme_court_leanings_and_more January 8, 2009 MinnPost January 8, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090209010143/http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/01/08/5689/recount_notebook_musings_on_franken-coleman_maneuvers_supreme_court_leanings_and_more February 9, 2009 dead mdy-all Page chose Judge Elizabeth A. Hayden of Stearns County (who was first appointed by DFL governor Rudy Perpich) to preside over the contest. Assistant Chief Judge Kurt J. Marben of Pennington County (appointed by Independence Party governor Jesse Ventura) and Assistant Chief Judge Denise D. Reilly of Hennepin County (appointed by Republican governor Arne Carlson) were also appointed.Weiner, Jay Judges named to hear Senate election contest; Coleman side reacts colorfully to Franken certificate play http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/01/12/5789/judges_named_to_hear_senate_election_contest_coleman_side_reacts_colorfully_to_franken_certificate_play January 12, 2009 MinnPost January 12, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090212205456/http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/01/12/5789/judges_named_to_hear_senate_election_contest_coleman_side_reacts_colorfully_to_franken_certificate_play February 12, 2009 dead mdy-all On January 12, Franken filed a motion to dismiss Coleman's contest, claiming it was "an imprecise and scattershot pleading". He argued that even if the contest were to proceed, the three-judge panel should be limited to determining who would be awarded the already certified ballots and to a simple, mathematical recount to ensure the accuracy of the canvassing board's count, with no additional ballots reviewed. On January 22, Franken's attorneys also argued that the case should not go to trial because the U.S. Senate, not the court system, has the power under the United States Constitution to judge the election of its members.Cadei Emily Franken Makes Case To Let Senate Decide CQPolitics January 22, 2009 http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003014318&cpage=1 January 23, 2009 June 2016 medicmedic Franken's motion to dismiss was denied by the panel on January 23. On January 19, Coleman attorney Fritz Knaak requested that the court open and review all rejected absentee ballots—totaling roughly 12,000—because some of them, he contended, were improperly rejected.http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/coleman-wants-to-open-thousands-of-absentee-ballots-2009-01-19.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090122204302/http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/coleman-wants-to-open-thousands-of-absentee-ballots-2009-01-19.html dead January 22, 2009 Coleman wants to open thousands of absentee ballots TheHill.com June 13, 2010 Coleman's attorneys also proposed a multiple-phase trial that would not start until February 2, in which the first phase would focus on rejected absentee ballots.MIKE KASZUBA Star Tribune http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/37656934.html Senate recount: Order expected today on trial date Startribune.com January 16, 2009 June 13, 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090324191921/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/37656934.html March 24, 2009 The panel denied these requests on January 23. Condon Patrick Franken's motion to dismiss recount suit rejected January 23, 2009 Associated Press https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMpTmr96V5hKIfyHT4Av4jsVQgrQD95SJBUO0 January 23, 2009 June 2024 medicmedicDuchschere, Kevin Recount: Trial on Coleman challenge to begin on Jan. 26 http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/37722979.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c::D3aDhUxWoW_oD:EaDUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU January 16, 2009 Minnesota Star Tribune January 16, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090121121706/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/37722979.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c%3A%3AD3aDhUxWoW_oD%3AEaDUiD3aPc%3A_Yyc%3AaULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU January 21, 2009 The trial began on January 26. Coleman's legal team ran into trouble on the first day when the judges refused to enter into evidence copies of the envelopes from allegedly wrongly rejected absentee ballots. Coleman's team had made markings on some of their copies of the envelopes, so the panel ruled that Coleman's attorney would need to subpoena the original envelopes from the counties.https://www.twincities.com/ci_11560057?nclick_check=1 January 27, 2009 January 27, 2009 St. Paul Pioneer Press Markings on absentee ballot envelopes upset Coleman case Rachel E. Stassen-Berger On February 3 the judges agreed to consider 4,797 rejected absentee ballots. This was fewer than the number requested by Coleman but more than Franken requested. These ballots fell into two categories: those where voters appeared to have met all legal requirements, and those where voters ran afoul of the law through no fault of their own.Condon, Patrick 5K rejected Minn. Senate ballots get another look https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090203/ap_on_re_us/minnesota_senate/print;_ylt=AjPT1Gekf_DyJp1skG9DKKxH2ocA;_ylu=X3oDMTB1MjgxN2UzBHBvcwMxNARzZWMDdG9vbHMtdG9wBHNsawNwcmludA-- February 3, 2009 Associated Press February 3, 2009 June 2016 medicmedic On February 13 the court ruled that no evidence had been presented to establish widespread problems with the counting of absentee ballots and that rejected absentee ballots from 12 of 19 disputed categories would not be counted. According to Coleman's attorney, this left approximately 3,500 ballots still open for consideration. The order also specified that parties must demonstrate that disputed ballots were legally cast, not just that they should not have been rejected, making it more difficult to argue in favor of counting remaining absentee ballots.Duchschere Kevin Recount trial: Coleman dealt blow, but no knockout Star Tribune February 14, 2009 http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/39574697.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvckD_V_jEyhD:UiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU February 16, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090219163202/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/39574697.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvckD_V_jEyhD%3AUiD3aPc%3A_Yyc%3AaUU February 19, 2009 Dunbar Elizabeth Condon Patrick Minn. Senate trial judges deliver blow to Coleman The Houston Chronicle February 13, 2009 http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/6263062.html February 16, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090222174345/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/6263062.html February 22, 2009 On March 2, the Coleman team rested its case after five weeks of testimony. The contest resumed on March 3 with the Franken team presenting its counterarguments. On March 13, the trial portion of the contest concluded with closing arguments from both sides. Franken's closing was delivered by attorney Kevin Hamilton and Coleman's by Joseph Friedburg. After closing arguments, Franken lead attorney Marc Elias said: "After seven weeks of trial, hundreds of witnesses, and thousands of exhibits, the trial demonstrated what the state canvassing board found to be true after an exhaustive recount: that Al Franken got more votes on Election Day than Norm Coleman. We remain confident that the court will uphold the results of the election and allow Al Franken to begin the work the voters of Minnesota hired him to do."Doyle Pat Minnesota Senate recount: Sudden sprint to finish line Star Tribune March 13, 2009 http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/41152662.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUycaEacyU March 15, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090316004759/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/41152662.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O%3ADW3ckUiD3aPc%3A_Yyc%3AaUycaEacyU March 16, 2009 On March 31, the court issued an order to count at most 400 rejected absentee ballots and denied any other relief.https://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/SCN_20090331144744_001.pdf Order for Delivery of Ballots April 1, 2009 April 14, 2009 Judge Elizabeth Hayden Minnesota Judicial Branchhttp://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/42221767.html Senate recount trial: Judges' ruling is boon to Franken Pat Doyle Kevin Duchschere amp Star Tribune April 1, 2009 April 14, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090403062853/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/42221767.html April 3, 2009 On April 7, the court scrutinized those ballots and determined that 351 had been legally cast. Those votes were counted, with 111 going to Coleman, 198 to Franken, and 42 to others, giving Franken a final margin of 312 votes.http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/42588822.html Pat Doyle Kevin Duchschere amp Star Tribune April 8, 2009 April 14, 2009 Coleman team vows to appeal tally dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090410083110/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/42588822.html April 10, 2009 The court dismissed Coleman's suit "with prejudice" in its final ruling on April 13, finding that his claims had no merit and ordering the Coleman camp to pay the legal costs associated with Coleman's failure to disclose information about Pamela Howell, a precinct election judge and witness in the case, which was later determined to amount to $94,783.Court: Coleman must pay Franken $95,000 in court costs Star Tribune June 11, 2009 http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/47594802.htm June 15, 2009 June 2016 medicmedic In the same ruling, the court rejected Coleman's requests to exclude 132 missing ballots from the recount total and to adjust the results based on Coleman's allegations of double-counted ballots.Associated Press http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/04/14/2009-04-14_al_frankens_minn_victor_court_rules.html Al Franken is the winner of Minnesota Senate Race, court rules New York Daily News April 14, 2009 2008 United States Senate election in Minnesota: Certified results after election contest Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Al Franken 1,212,629 41.994% −5.35% Republican Party of Minnesota Norm Coleman (incumbent) 1,212,317 41.983% −7.55% Independence Party (Minnesota) Dean Barkley 437,505 15.151% +13.15% Libertarian Party (United States) Charles Aldrich 13,923 0.48% n/a Constitution Party (United States) James Niemackl 8,907 0.31% +0.21% 2,365 0.08% 312 0.011% 2,887,646 Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Republican Party of Minnesota Note: This table combines the certified results of January 5, 2009, listed above with the added absentee ballots from April 7, 2009, 198 for Franken and 111 for Coleman. Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican Lincoln (largest municipality: Tyler) Fillmore (largest city: Spring Valley) Grant (largest city: Elbow Lake) Marshall (largest city: Warren) Pennington (largest city: Thief River Falls) Polk (largest city: East Grand Forks) Pope (largest city: Glenwood) Red Lake (largest city: Red Lake Falls) Traverse (largest city: Wheaton) Yellow Medicine (largest city: Granite Falls) Clay (largest city: Moorhead) Murray (largest city: Slayton) Jackson (largest city: Jackson) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Blue Earth (largest city: Mankato) Nicollet (largest city: North Mankato) Appeal to Minnesota Supreme Court On April 20, Coleman filed a notice of appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court.http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/04/coleman-appeals.html Coleman keeps promise, files appeal USA Today April 20, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090423103445/http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/04/coleman-appeals.html April 23, 2009 Franken's lawyers requested that the court follow an expedited schedule in hearing the case (with oral arguments scheduled for mid-May) to enable Minnesota to have two seated senators.http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2009/04/21/8226/franken_asks_state_supreme_court_to_expedite_appeal Franken Asks State Supreme Court to Expedite Appeal MinnPost.com April 21, 2009 April 21, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100422031512/http://www.minnpost.com/politicalagenda/2009/04/21/8226/franken_asks_state_supreme_court_to_expedite_appeal April 22, 2010 dead mdy-all http://www.minnpost.com/client_files/pdfs/Motion4ExpeditedSchedule.pdf Richard D. Snyder MinnPost.com April 21, 2009 April 21, 2009 respondent's Motion for Expedited Schedule https://web.archive.org/web/20100423020225/http://www.minnpost.com/client_files/pdfs/Motion4ExpeditedSchedule.pdf April 23, 2010 dead mdy-all In his reply, Coleman asked the Court to take its time, which would probably delay its decision until June.Coleman asks state Supreme Court to take it slow Star Tribune April 22, 2009 http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/43429282.html April 23, 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090425053119/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/43429282.html April 25, 2009 On April 24, the Court issued its order for briefs and oral arguments.https://www.mncourts.gov/Documents/0/Public/Other/2008%20Elections/Order4.24.09.pdf ORDER for briefing schedule Minnesota Supreme Court April 24, 2009 April 24, 2009 Oral arguments took place on June 1.State Supreme Court grills lawyers for Coleman, Franken Star Tribune June 1, 2009 http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/46621982.html June 1, 2009 June 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090611182112/http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/46621982.html dead After the arguments the Minnesota Supreme Court did not indicate how soon it would render judgment.Coleman / Franken Senate race reaches the Supreme Court Star News June 3, 2009 http://erstarnews.com/content/view/8025/211/ June 10, 2009September 2017 InternetArchiveBot yes Some Democrats and political commentators asserted that Coleman no longer had a serious chance of prevailing in the election, and that he continued to file appeals for the sole purpose of delaying the seating of a 60th member of the Democratic caucus in the U.S. Senate (after Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democratic on April 28).https://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/28/specter.party.switch/index.html Longtime GOP Sen. Arlen Specter becomes Democrat April 28, 2009 CNN April 28, 2009http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/04/28/specter_to_switch_parties.html?wprss=44 https://web.archive.org/web/20090430181745/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/04/28/specter_to_switch_parties.html?wprss=44 dead April 30, 2009 Specter to switch parties Cillizza Chris April 28, 2009 The Washington Post April 28, 2009 Sixty Democratic senators would not need any Republican votes to overcome a filibuster.Chaggaris Steve Morning Bulletin CBS April 15, 2009 http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/04/15/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4946231.shtml April 20, 2009The GOP's Senate stall in Minnesota Chattanooga Times Free Press April 18, 2009 http://timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/18/gops-senate-stall-minnesota/?opiniontimes April 20, 2009 July 23, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110723215043/http://timesfreepress.com/news/2009/apr/18/gops-senate-stall-minnesota/?opiniontimes dead Black Eric An explanation for why Coleman hasn't filed notice of appeal MinnPost April 17, 2009 http://www.minnpost.com/ericblackblog/2009/04/17/8144/an_explanation_for_why_coleman_hasnt_filed_notice_of_appeal April 20, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090420104359/http://www.minnpost.com/ericblackblog/2009/04/17/8144/an_explanation_for_why_coleman_hasnt_filed_notice_of_appeal April 20, 2009 dead mdy-all Coleman disputed that allegation.Coleman: 'I think the law is on our side' Star Tribune April 17, 2009 http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/43113327.html?elr=KArks8c7PaP3E77K_3c::D3aDhUec7PaP3E77K_0c::D3aDhUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr April 19, 2009 June 2016 medicmedic About 60% of Minnesotans (64–28, 59–34, 63–37 in three polls) said they wanted Coleman to concede.Brauer David Your liberal media: Public says Norm should concede; editorial pages disagree http://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2009/04/26/8347/your_liberal_media_public_says_norm_should_concede_editorial_pages_disagree MinnPost April 26, 2009 April 28, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090428151415/http://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2009/04/26/8347/your_liberal_media_public_says_norm_should_concede_editorial_pages_disagree April 28, 2009 dead mdy-all On June 30, the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously rejected Coleman's challenge and ruled that Franken was entitled to be certified as the winner. Coleman announced he would not appeal the result further, and congratulated Franken by phone, telling him that being senator was "the best job he would ever have".Minn. Court Rules for Franken in Senate Fight https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/06/30/us/AP-US-Minnesota-Senate.html?_r=1 The New York Times June 30, 2009 June 30, 2009August 2010 RjwilmsiBotWeiner, Jay http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/06/30/9933/senate_recount_after_unanimous_ruling_for_franken_attention_shifts_to_pawlenty_--_and_coleman Senate recount: After unanimous ruling for Franken, attention shifts to Pawlenty – and Coleman June 30, 2009 MinnPost June 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090704085640/http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/06/30/9933/senate_recount_after_unanimous_ruling_for_franken_attention_shifts_to_pawlenty_--_and_coleman July 4, 2009 dead mdy-all Pawlenty and Ritchie signed the election certificate that evening.Weiner, Jay Coleman-Franken Senate race: The day the recount ended and the fight turned into something really nice http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/06/30/9950/coleman-franken_senate_race_the_day_the_recount_ended_and_the_fight_turned_into_something_really_nice June 30, 2009 MinnPost June 30, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090704062012/http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/06/30/9950/coleman-franken_senate_race_the_day_the_recount_ended_and_the_fight_turned_into_something_really_nice July 4, 2009 dead mdy-all and Pawlenty, Tim Ritchie, Mark amp Certificate of Election for Six-Year Term 2 http://minnesotaindependent.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/063009_election_certificate_amp__cover_letter.pdf June 30, 2009 Center for Independent Media The Minnesota Independent June 30, 2009 Further investigations In July 2010, Minnesota Majority, a conservative watchdog group, conducted a study in which it flagged 2,803 voters in the Senate race for examination, including 1,359 it suspected to be ineligible convicted felons in the largely Democratic Minneapolis-St. Paul area. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/07/12/felons-voting-illegally-franken-minnesota-study-finds/ https://web.archive.org/web/20100714081701/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/07/12/felons-voting-illegally-franken-minnesota-study-finds/ dead July 14, 2010 Felons Voting Illegally May Have Put Franken Over the Top in Minnesota, Study Finds Barnes Ed July 12, 2010 Fox Newshttp://www.startribune.com/politics/national/98472564.html Pawlenty: Investigate felon votes in Senate race Star Tribune Subsequent investigations of Minnesota Majority's claims by election officials found that many of its allegations were incorrect. Some of the cases involved mistaking a legal voter for a felon with the same name, others involved felons who had had their voting rights reinstated after serving their sentences, and others were felons who illegally registered to vote but did not vote in 2008.Kevin Diaz Pawlenty: Investigate felon votes in Senate race http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/98472564.html Star Tribune July 14, 2010 July 22, 2010http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=858569&catid=14 https://archive.today/20130127063856/http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=858569&catid=14 dead January 27, 2013 Pawlenty: felons may have tipped Senate race John Croman KARE-11 July 15, 2010 July 22, 2010 Schroeck eric Conservative media hype "not accurate" report to suggest Franken's election was "an illegal victory" https://mediamatters.org/research/2010/07/13/conservative-media-hype-not-accurate-report-to/185985 Media Matters May 2, 2015 July 13, 2010 Ramsey County officials narrowed their investigation to 180 cases, while Hennepin County examined 216 cases.http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/98472564.html?page=3&c=y Pawlenty: Investigate felon votes in Senate race Star Tribune Pawlenty said, "They [Minnesota Majority] seem to have found credible evidence that many felons who are not supposed to be voting actually voted in the Franken-Coleman election. I suspect they favored Al Franken. I don't know that, but if that turned out to be true, they may have flipped the election."https://www.foxnews.com/politics/its-time-for-a-closer-look-into-whether-felons-voted-in-2008-minnesota-gop-chairman-says It's Time for a Closer Look into Whether Felons Voted in 2008, Minnesota GOP Chairman Says Ed Barnes Fox News March 25, 2015 Columnist Nick Coleman of the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune called the idea that illegal voting by felons made a difference in the race "unbelievable" and the Minnesota Majority report "good fodder for a right-wing scare campaign."Nick Coleman http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/98635764.html Felons flipped an election? Unbelievable Star Tribune July 17, 2010 July 22, 2010 As of July 2010, the Ramsey County Attorney's Office had brought charges against 28 people. In August 2010, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office received for investigation 110 alleged cases of voter fraud in the 2008 election. In October 2010, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office concluded that there was enough evidence to charge six people for voter fraud. "Three of the suspects face two felony charges. Three other suspects each face one felony charge."http://www.hennepinsheriff.org/sites/hennepinsheriff.org/files/Voter%20Fraud%20Charges.pdf Hennepin County Sheriff's Office News Release: Voter fraud investigation https://web.archive.org/web/20140413125952/http://www.hennepinsheriff.org/sites/hennepinsheriff.org/files/Voter%20Fraud%20Charges.pdf April 13, 2014 dead mdy-all In October 2010, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced that charges would be brought against 43 felons for illegally voting in 2008.Forliti Amy Hennepin Co. charges 47 cases of voter fraud https://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_16438910 Pioneer Press May 2, 2015 October 28, 2010 See also 1974 United States Senate election in New Hampshire 2008 United States Senate elections List of close election results References Further reading Foley Edward B. The Lake Wobegone Recount: Minnesota's Disputed 2008 U.S. Senate Election Election Law Journal: Rules, Politics, and Policy 2011 10 2 129–164 10.1089/elj.2010.0090 Watts Lauren Reexamining Crawford: Poll worker error as a burden on voters Washington Law Review 89 2014 175–216 https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4802&context=wlr Deals with Minnesota 2008. External links Minnesota court declares Franken winner; Coleman considers appeal Sheehan & Coleman v. Franken, no. A09-697, Minn. Supreme Court, June 30, 2009 (Minnesota Supreme Court opinion holding that Franken is entitled to election certificate) Barkley for Senate Official campaign website (archived) Coleman for Senate Official campaign website (archived) Franken for Senate Official campaign website (archived) Recount coverage https://web.archive.org/web/20110724123400/http://voteforamerica.net/editorials/?Category=MN%20Recount July 24, 2011 from VoteForAmerica.net Minnesota Secretary of State recount totals Election Contest Court website Minnesota Senate Seat '08 Election at the Minnesota Judicial Branch website; provides copies of filings and orders in the case Election Center from the Minnesota Secretary of State News and Candidate Bios from Votimus.com Minnesota, U.S. Senate from CQ Politics Minnesota U.S. Senate from OurCampaigns.com Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets Coleman (R-i) vs Franken (DFL) vs Barkley (I) https://web.archive.org/web/20081020022917/http://voteforamerica.net/polls.aspx?Race=Minnesota&Election=Senate#Results October 20, 2008 graph of multiple polls from VoteForAmerica.net Coleman (R-i) vs Franken (D) graph of multiple polls from Pollster.com Joe Conason on the recount—Salon.com This Is Not Florida: How Al Franken Won the Minnesota Senate Recount, by Jay Weiner. Recounting Minnesota: Blogging the Al Franken Election Saga, by Carl Eeman. 2008 Minnesota United States Senate Category:Al Franken Category:Contested elections in the United States