I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart enough... Franken Certified as Senate 'Winner'
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Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
1/6/2009 (1 decade ago)
Published in Politics & Policy
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Catholic Online) - The continuing recount of the votes in the hotly contested Senate seat between Republican Norm Coleman and challenger Democrat Al Franken has taken another interesting turn. The Canvassing Board which is authorized under Minnesota election law has certified the former Saturday Night Live Star and stand up comedian to have the most votes by 225 votes.
Under the Statutes, this certification of the vote does not actually declare a winner but simply certifies the count and begins a seven day period within which Senator Coleman can file a lawsuit protesting the result. His lawyer has indicated he will do just that.
"We had hoped that the canvassing board would refrain from reporting out with unanimity a recount total today. That did not happen" said Senator Coleman's counsel, Tony Trimble. He further indicated that he will file the lawsuit on behalf of the Senator within 24 hours to prevent the issuance of a certificate and the possible seating of Franken.
Al Franken told reporters, "After 62 days of careful and painstaking hand-inspection of nearly 3 million ballots, after hours and hours of hard work by election officials and volunteers around the state, I am proud to stand before you as the next senator from Minnesota".
The expected lawsuit will contest numerous aspects of the recount process alleging claims of irregularities and improper procedures. This latest turn of events in this long saga is expected to delay the seating of a Senator from Minnesota for months.
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