Any news on the Al Franken recount?

[globalvillage]

They called me last night for another donation and told me he was up by four votes with about 5,000 left to be counted. WTH is taking so long?

I figured after the election the calls would stop at least until folks start to campaign for 2010.

[ThomWV]

1. Prediction: This will be the closest national race in our history - and Franken will win!

[sabbat hunter]

2. as per

the official recount on the MN SoS page

RECOUNT Number of Ballots for Coleman (as recounted) 1208344 41.41
RECOUNT Number of Ballots for Franken (as recounted) 1207657 41.38


http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20081104/SenateRecount.asp

99.93% recounted

[DrDan]

3. that is not such good news - down nearly 700

[KharmaTrain]

4. It's Still A Couple Weeks Away...

They've done the recount...now the fun begins...provisional and contested ballots. It's so damn close, I have no clue how it will turn out. I hope Al can pull it out, but no matter who wins this race, with such a slim margin, whomever wins will have this thing hanging over their head.

My hopes are that Coleman is indicted for using his wife to launder money. That'll take care of the recount for sure.

[hlthe2b]

5. December 16 is stuck in my mind as the next important date...

No time to search, now, but perhaps someone can comment... I think that is when they meet on the contested ballots?

[KharmaTrain]

6. This Could Go On For Months...

Be assured this election is so close, there's going to be lawsuits and legal challenges as to voter intent and the validity of the recount. This happened in Louisiana in '96...the election wasn't officially certified until nearly six months later.

I honestly expect this election will end up being decided in the courts. In the meantime, the big question would be do you seat Coleman even if the election is still contested? Or leave it open?

[Pab Sungenis]

7. You leave it open.

Pawlenty would appoint a placeholder until such time as the winner is certified.