Minn. Senator: Why is it Taking So Long?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Call it the Minnesota Follies. The land of 10,000 lakes and Jesse Ventura is now threatening to give us a senator from Saturday Night Live. What's wrong up there? Two months after the election and they're still trying to figure out who won.
How tough can this be? It's not like counting all the votes in China.
The contest between incumbent Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken is starting to resemble the telethon for Jerry's kids.
On Monday the state canvassing board certified the recount and declared Franken the winner. But Coleman won't go away.
He's filing a lawsuit to challenge the recount of the recount. The move could drag this thing out until spring. His lawyers said the process is just beginning. That's what lawyers do. The longer they can drag things out, the more money they make.
The rest of the country managed to elect their lawmakers without a problem back in November. Georgia had a runoff, but that's long since over. It's now January and the 111th Congress has convened.
When it comes to elections, Minnesota is starting to make Florida look efficient.
Here’s my question to you: Why is it taking Minnesota so long to elect a senator?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dave from Missouri writes:
Jack they are about to put a completely unqualified comedian into the United States Senate. They better make sure they get it right!
Glenn from California writes:
Jack, why so long? It's a great opportunity for the lawyers to make a windfall profit in these tough economic times. Since Coleman's planning on continuing the fight, the lawyers will milk this cow for as long as they can. At least they're not suffering from the economic crisis like the rest of us are.
Craig from Hastings, Minnesota writes:
Coleman LOST! He should step aside and let's get on with our problems. Got to feel sorry for old Normie though. He's the only politician I know of who can lose a statewide election to a professional wrestler, sneak in the back door when Paul Wellstone is killed, and then lose another statewide election to a comedian.
Jeff writes:
Calm down, Jack. It's cold up here in Minnesota and sometimes things move slower than they do in New York. It was a close election and we want to make sure we get the results right. It's a small fraction of one percent that separates these candidates. Democracy is about getting it right and if Norm Coleman wants a court to double-check that we got it, the law allows him to do it. Florida was a fiasco. Minnesota is just meticulous.
Gary from Woodhaven, Michigan:
Neither candidate knows how much to pay the Governor, oops, wrong State. This is between the jester and the jackass, you pick.
Mark in New York
Given Minnesota's inability to govern itself, perhaps it should be folded into North Dakota? Who would really notice?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
It's taking so long because it's a close race and votes are actually being counted. This case, more than any other, shows why voting machines must have a paper trail.
That seems easy enough......they need Arithmetic Reform!
It's Minesota, where they count on their fingers. Now it's so cold, no one wants to take their hands out of their pockets. Maybe in May, when it warms up, the count will pick up.
Why is it taking Minnesota so long to elect a senator? Maybe because they can't agree on whether they've counted all the votes. Maybe because the margin of victory is less than the seating capacity of a truck-stop diner. Maybe Minnesota doesn't get in a hurry about anything. Take it easy Jack, they'll get around to it...right after ice-fishing season.
Bill D
Champaign, IL
One thing I've learned from living in Alaaka is: incumbent skweaky wheels conseider it their right to get greased.
Hi Jack, because Norm Coleman is a sore looser!
Why is it taking Minnesota so long to elect a senator?
Because Norm Coleman is a sore loser who puts his ambition before the good of the people in his state and nation.
Jenna
Roseville CA
It is taking so long because there was not a former "pro" wrestler on the ticket, only a comedian and a mediocre republican.
The state wants it done right with no questions after the fact.
Jack, where were you when George Bush stole the election from Al Gore? Hell, we haven't even started with the legal process, the appeals, the mountains of esoteric court documents that will be the final arbiters of the winner. This has the probability of being a longer running SitCom than M.A.S.H. (What could that nasty sound be? Oh, I see. It's lawyers drooling. "Cry Havoc! And let slip the dogs of Justice!)
Jack; I live in Minnesota and I say it gets down to Norm Coleman not wanting to leave the Washington DC gravy train he's been on; plus his lawyers can make a whole lot more money the longer this recount goes on. This melodrama has gone on for almost months and it's time for it to be over. Both sides had their lawyers hovering over the recount process from day one of the recount and the fight over the improperly rejected absetee ballots – how on earth can things still be wrong – oh yeah the vote total isn't in Norm's favor – that's why! Yesterday former Republican Governor Arne Carlson said Norm should stop. This has cost and will cost Minnesota Taxpayers more money and cheats taxpayers of the representation of 2 senators the longer this drags on. Norm, who were you working for – the taxpayers??? This makes me think otherwise. Please pull the plug on it now, Norm.
Norm Coleman is the answer here. Any other questions?
Well, lets see. If you take an unpopular and ineffective incumbent politician, and run him against a controversial former comedian, and you do this in a state that once elected a "professional" wrestler as Governor, what do you think is going to happen? When you have a circus of an election, you shouldn't be surprised when clowns emerge from the other end of it spraying each other with seltzer water.
because noone wants to concede!!!!
It's simple Jack the U.S. simply doesn't know how to or maybe doesn't want to conduct honest and fair elections. The Federal Government should set a uniform standard that all states have to follow.
Too many positions and/or questions on the ballot for starters as each position and/or question should require a separate ballot and the real clincher would be to use a pencil and an X to mark the paper ballot.
Although the above is how we vote here in Canada we have on a few occassions gone over a day before knowing who got elected.
It apparently has been decieded but could drag thru the Courts for years. They went thru the democratic process – just did not have an Atty General like Florida in 2000.
Because they are doing it RIGHT. In a clear and comprehensive way, they are making sure that their Senator is properly elected. I admire the state and their state election officials for the meticulous lengths to which they are going to make sure that all legal ballots and votes are counted.
We live in a day and time of instant gratification, so I'm sure that this process will be criticized, but I think it is being done properly. They had in place laws and regulations that automatically triggered a non-partisan recount due to the closeness of the race, and they have set procedures for determining that ballots cast are valid, and properly counted. THIS IS GOOD. We might not be in the same boat we are in today if such a meticulous methodology had been used in 2000!
Neither Bozo wants to lose, both Bozos want to win regardless of the cost to everybody. They are both delusional and think the world just can't do without them. Mostly they suffer from Rectocranial inversion.
They recounted millions of votes, and Franken won. Coleman must think there's one set of rules for him and another for his challenger. It's interesting to note he urged Franken to concede when he thought he was ahead, and now that the tables are turned he is suing. What a guy.
Norm Coleman know that he can argue result till he wins by getting the supreme court or just not by the voters to decide another election.
basically -its because their all idiots . ....no more no less
By the time they settle this Minnesota U.S. Senate race, it'll be time to start fundraising for the next one.
The Franken camp thinks it's only 192 votes behind.
At one ballot a day we should have a winner and a loser by late spring, which is still mid-winter up there.
Honestly, Jack, I think everyone is trying to be extremely careful, follow protocol, and make sure that every eligible vote counts. Verifying and counting (by hand) 5ish million votes takes a while.
Jack, everyone loves a good drama-edy and Minnesota is giving us a laugh riot. We have the drama of Norm Coleman and the comedy of Al Franken. If this politics thing does not work out for either one of them, they can be the new Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and headline in Vegas.
There were three candidates running and this took votes from both top candidates which helped to create a stalemate.That and the political gerrymandering about disputed ballots leads to this mess. As they say.Only in America!
It is taking so long be cause Norm Coleman won't admit defeat, when he knows full well that he does not stand a chance to win. He should put state first and concede, showing character that will help them in future political races if he decides to run again.
Everyone I have ever met from Minnesota has been an extremely nice person. I think they are stalling to avoid hurting either candidate's feelings.
Because USA do not have a common election law where in every thing is codified in all possible situations like the way India has. There is an answer for every question and absolutely no ambiguity at all under Representation of People Act of India. Do I have to mention that even USA should have one like that.
Because Coleman has money to throw away on lawyers instead of getting himself a real job. Maybe Coleman isn't financially prepared in these hard times and desperately trying to hold on to the only job he THINKS he's good at.
Jack, the voting system is bogged down by bureaucratic red tape, out-dated voting proceedures, laws that need to reflect a modern society, lack of electronic vote counting and a state wide officiated enumeration system. Eliminate independent verification firms such as "Acorn". Tabulation, via electronic processing, would be complete within one hour of the polls closing and a victor announced. Run-offs should be abolished unless the difference is by 10 votes. No more headaches for that states public, Harry Reid and all the other hard working Senators in Washington.
I think Minn. has become Florida in this election. Why can't they just count every vote and call it good. I do believe that every person that votes should have their vote counted.
That's easy. Just look at the last 8 years. Repubicans!
It takes a while to round up all the votes that have been stashed here and there, and made to magicly dissappear by the wonderful two party system we have.
Counting votes takes some time. Counting them accurately takes longer. Counting all the votes that should be counted, even longer. If voters all had the same type of ballot, if they could follow directions, if election officials had iron-clad rules for rejection or acceptance, it would go faster. But we all have the right to vote if we are over 18 and not a felon. Some of us don't read well, see well, think clearly, speak English, or have an attention span long enough to complete a ballot. Our votes should still be counted if possible. Imagine what would happen if the national election hinged on one state doing a recount. Oh, wait.......
Apparently a few percent of the folks did some ticket splitting. They either Hated McCain or Loved Coleman. Or, is it that the State who gave you the governor from the wrestling federation thinks it is too embarassing to have a former SNL comedian for a Senator, on the National scene?
Hey Jack,
It's over the votes have been counted and recounted by a by-partisan election board and now the we have a winner. Norm Colemen should accept that fact, but as we all can see he's a sore loser.
Yoooper
rome wasn't built in a day and sweetest way home is usually the longest. your answer lies some where inbetween these two
They can't help it Jack. They have frozen brains and move slow because of it. After all look at what ended up being Governor in Alaska and the effects on weather there.
Let's see. First they had a former Pro-Wrestler as Governor, now they potentially have a former Saturday Night Live Star as a Senator. I think it is taking so long because Minnesota is trying to figure out how to save it's reputation, don't cha' know.
It's too cold to do anything else- other than ice-fishing in the land of 10000 lakes!!!
Invisible ballots take a long time to count. Be patient, Jack.
Because the one doing the counting is from Florida?
ARM
Olympia, Wa
Jack, if Minnisota is anything like Haliburton, they are still digging out from the last snow storm.
For the same reason Burris is running around with unsigned paperwork. It gives people something to talk about, and takes their minds off of real issues.
It sounds like a case of "sore loser" tome.
Jack: Every vote counts and should be counted. Democracy maybe slow, but I believe it is the best choice. It is worth the wait to get it right for the voters of Minnesota.
John
Alabama
Jack, why so long? It's a great opportunity for the lawyers to make a windfall profit in these tough economic times. Since Coleman's planning on continuing the fight, the lawyers will milk this cow for as long as they can. At least they're not suffering from the economic crisis like the rest of us are.
i guess this is an example of every vote does count.
Jack
This is proof of how enept our electoral system is and how important it is for some serious reforms to take place before the next national election.
Jack.....what is 'long'? If you read MN law you see they are following the law with the recounts and certification.
Remember Alaska law allows up to three weeks after election day to certify a winner even when there is no challenge.
How would you speed this up?
Sometimes it's harder when scandal is the forefront of an election. I smelled a rat from day one.
Beacuse it was too close to tell on election day plus all of the voters who decided to be funny
It's taking so long beause when elections don't go the way Republicans want they sue.
I don't know.
This race in Minnesota is just too close and too high profile to have a "smooth landing". I'm going to throw Minnesota's only Senator right now, Amy Klobuchar, under the bus and say that she should resign and let Coleman and Franken have their respective seats.
They're jealous of the Blago thing and just want their fair share of press.
Jack,
Our state Republicans cannot fathom the idea of their candiate being announced the winner, only to lose in a long, drawn out recount. There are screams of unfairness, controversy, and paid political officials.
Frankly, I cannot imagine what it feels like to think that an election is being stolen from the candidate you support.... oh wait....
As someone within the Republican party stated: "No Republican can win without cheating". Coleman has not yet found a way to cheat that works so he will keep trying until he does or is compelled to quit.
norm coleman is a sore loser and let al franken get his shot..minnesota board certified the election so it's time to move on..maybe coleman is trying to find double votes so he can count them like bush did in florida..thats cheating..he needs to accept the loss and do something else...
People in that part of the country as just naturally slow.
Jack they are about to put a completely unqualified comedian into the United States Senate. They better make sure they get it right!
Both are looking for votes under rocks and trunks of cars. Court filings after court filings...an attorney's dream ticket to big bucks.
POLITICS. Just politics.
Geri – Mead, Ok
Why should anyone be surprised? The Republican establishment has never been one to lose gracefully. This is supposed to be a group of adults. There was a fair recount and they should just abide by the rules and let the decision stand. But I guess that is too much to hope for and I forsee similar actions on behalf of the party all the way down the line. We are going to be in for a rough four years. They just cannot play fair.
It strikes me this is less an issue about time and more about the incompetence of the electorate. I mean, after all, how hard is it to fill in an oval with a pencil or pen! Maybe that's why only about 9 percent of college-bound Minnesota seniors take the SAT compared to 48 percent nationally. Filling in those pesky spaces is just too dang hard, ya know. Well, they deserve a comedian for their senator! I suppose having a wrestler as a governor was too intellectually stimulating for the land of a thousand lakes.
It is taken so long because of Pawlenty the Governor ,who does
not want to give in that the people voted and corrupt Coleman
with is $75000,00 in illegal donations did not.
Pawlenty is toast and is sore he was not chosen as a VP for McCain.
I think Franken will be the senator as he won the votes, once
again the Republicans show they are poor losers.
Al Franken is the Senator,Governor just as you were passed
over for VP. You Betcha!!!!
Although I'm rooting for Franken, I'm sure if Coleman was ahead by a couple hundred votes that Franken would be going to court. In such a close election, it's important that all the votes be counted, no matter how long it takes. Remember what happened in Florida in 2000–they stopped the recount, and George W. Bush was "appointed." Look where that got us...
Who care as long as they get it right? Got to hand it to Minnesota, first Gov. Jesse Ventura and now (maybe) Al Franken. I just love those wild Minnesota folks.
The ballot system is the problem, and the inability of the average voter to follow directions properly which makes re-counts a nightmare and open to challenge. Wisconsin's ballot system is pretty clear cut, and so easy to follow that even a Caveman could do it. It wouldn't take that long here.
Because they wanted to get it right! Imagine how much better off we’d all be, if in 2000 Katherine Harris, Tony Light Fingers Scalia and his gang of 5, let the poll workers get it right. We’re so hung up on getting things done fast, that we’ve given up on getting it right.
Because there are lawyers involved. With all the cross suits and appeals, I doubt if we will see the posistion filled this year.
It's cold up there Jack. And democracy doesn't abide by sound-byte rules.
The longer it takes the more money some people make, we all know being a senator earn's you more then the government paycheck they receive, through shady deals. for Coleman losing to Jessy ventura has got to hurt and now a saturday nite live guy, has really got to sting.
With any luck, the re-counting will last six years.
hi jack
I thank God that this time it wasnt Florida that screwed up,its about time someone took the heat off us.thank you Minn
clearwater,fl
Out of 3 million plus votes the difference is under three hundred votes I think if we have instant replay in sports just to get it right. I think we can handle a couple of months of recounting just to get it right. I think most people today would say we should have spent more time in 2000 just to get it right.
L.M.,Arizona
Jack,
Well, obviously, because the vote was a near-perfect 50-50 split. I would guess its taking so long because Minnesotans want to send the actual winner to the senate to represent them. If it takes them a few months to make this determination, so be it. It sure beats having the Supreme Court dictate the winner to them.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
Because $169,300.00 with full Medical Insurance for 6 more years is better than filing for Unemployment. Not to mention the side deals and bags of cash these Crooks take in from whichever Corporate Lobby is looking for some Grease.
Jack,
Do you suppose it might be the sour grapes hanging on the far right of the vine out of the sunlight and wilting way?
Thom
Negaunee, MI
I am really wondering if a new election with new candidates needs to be scheduled. Both Franken and Coleman have shown us the ugly side of the election process. Neither will withdraw. And the review board seems to have done both candidates a disservice in how the allocated the ballots that were in dispute.
Patience Jack. These WWE Land of Ten Thousand Lake round robin challenges take time. There's a Minnesota method to their madness. First of all, Jesse "the Body" Ventura, "Stormin' Norman" Coleman and "Weird Al" Franken come into the ring in their speedos, talk a lot of smack at each other, then all Hell breaks loose. "Stormin' Norman" winks at the crowd, smiles with a twinkle and blasts "Jesse the Body" with a trash can lid, a folding chair and an aluminum ladder. Jesse climbs the top rope and leaps onto "Weird Al" and Al rolls out leaving a whoopie cushion in his place. The Wild Minnesotans all scream, "dat's funny eh," while "Weird Al" offers "Jesse the Body," flat on his back, a drink from one of those hillarious dribbling glasses. In the end, "Weird Al" wins the match by pulling up "Stormin' Norman's" speedo when he's not looking and pins him with the "Walloping Wedgy." And in the end everyone walks away happy knowing that the match was fixed.
Are we back to hanging chads? Someone please save me...at least throw me a line.
I blame Bill O'Reilly.
The answer lies in the two candidates. Neither one is any good.
It's Minnesota, they're Liberals. A snake with 5,000 heads takes time to make decisions. Ralph, Yakima, Wa.
Could the delay is because most all the people of Minn. got "body slammed" and thrown out of the ring by former Governer Jessy Venturas' term. It could be they are all "punch drunk" and unable to muster any reasonable solution amongest themselves. Let the two opponents duke it out in the boxing ring. Last man standing wins.
The race is so close that neithe candidate wants to lose by that small a margin. Also, the implications of another democrat in the Senate is upsetting to the Republicans as they near the magic 60 number. Or maybe the Minnesotans, just love the controversy and want to keep it going.
Troy, Ohio
This election reminds me of Florida. This may end up in the Supreme Court before a decision is made.
They're not taking so long to elect a senator, Jack: they're taking so long to decide a senator. The Gore vs. Bush recount result–or, rather, the lack of one–was a decision rather than an election. What makes anyone think that this election won't be stolen, too?
Because just barely under half of them apparently are stupid.
Because Coleman is like Bush, not used to losing. They have to get it right, Coleman is already yelling fowl. That is how he got in.
If Coleman loses he might have to change back to being a Democrat like he used to be. He has flip flopped so many times since becoming a Republican. The people from Minn. doesn't believe him anymore. Go Frankin.
it's politics... 'nuf said
Jack, they have elected a Senator, Franken won, however, Coleman can't stand to leave so he's going to court instead to prolong it. Remember when Coleman thought he was the winner and said Franken should step aside gracefully? Apparently, what's good for the goose isn't for the gander!
Why? there is false counting going on!!
I have no idea beside ego! Or they cannot accept a real comedian...in office!
It sounds like someone up there doeen't like him (Franken).
I have no idea beside ego! Or they cannot accept a real comedian…in office!
Actually, I beleive that comedian are serious people...this can be scary for some?
It's so cold there that the voters' fingers froze in place, and they couldn't bend them to pick the candidate they wanted. They should throw out the whole thing, and play a game of Halo to figure out who wins.
Good grief Jack! You act as if the Senate may actually do something substantive in the next couple of months that might impact the American people and thereby require a full senate. Besides, the Minnesota senate seat has some semblance of being duly elected. It's not like New York or Illinois, where all the governor has to do, is pull a name out of the hat. What's their problem??
Harry
Ky.
jack i love the election process where it counts all votes norm coleman should just step aside, its taking so long because coleman reminds me of hiliary clinton when they lose they dont want to lose until someone beats the lost in there head
I agree, why is it taking so long, if only Coleman would concede.
Looking forward to Sen. Franken, if only for some intentional jokes.
Stupidity.
Come on Jack are you really surprised at the race and what has unfolded in that state? Have you ever been there in the winter? They are insane with half frozen brains with nobody to vote for but retired wrestlers, notso funny comedians and people that think Bush is a great leader! Tell them to send the ballots to a warmer state and it will all be over in a few days.
Patience Jack. These WWE Land of Ten Thousand Lake round robin challenges take time. There’s a Minnesota method to their madness. First of all, Jesse “the Body” Ventura, “Stormin’ Norman” Coleman and “Weird Al” Franken come into the ring in their speedos, talk a lot of smack at each other, then all Hell breaks loose. “Stormin’ Norman” winks at the crowd, smiles with a twinkle and blasts “Jesse the Body” with a trash can lid, a folding chair and an aluminum ladder. Jesse climbs the top rope and leaps onto “Weird Al” and Al rolls out leaving a whoopie cushion in his place. The Wild Minnesotans all scream, “dat’s funny eh,” while “Weird Al” offers “Jesse the Body,” flat on his back, a drink from one of those hillarious dribbling glasses. Out of nowhere, “Weird Al” wins the match by pulling up “Stormin’ Norman’s” speedo when he’s not looking and pins him with the “Walloping Wedgy.” And in the end everyone walks away happy knowing that the match was fixed.
The Repubs just can't stomach another defeat.
Simple, those Republicans are shocked they can't cheat!
Because the frigid Minnesota weather has frozen their brains?
Brownwood, Texas
The reason it’s taking so long Jack is easy, since when do you ever hear about Minnesota in the news, every state deserves there 15 minutes of fame right????
Danni
Upland Ca
Appears to be sloppy work, and the Republicans will try anything to get another seat. If the shoe were on the other foot, I am sure the Dems would do the same thing! This country needs a universal voting system and rules and regulatiions, and all new computers!
It wouldn't make a difference what state it would involve. Federal politics is a big money game with all of the influence peddling that is involved. And who wants to lose out on all of that money that they can make? Politics continues to move to a more corrupt business and it is easy money. Coleman wants to make his share, just like Blagojevich and others. Talk about a "good old boy" business!
Al Franken is the Senator-elect of Minnesota. The recount was required by Minnesota law and Franken could not have stopped it if he wanted to. Coleman declared himself the winner and asked Franken to concede,which he could not have. After the recount,Franken won and was certified by the election board. Coleman has refused to concede and has accused the election committee of cheating in Franken's favor. Coleman's lawyers and the Republican party have decided to sue and will drag it out as long as they can until Coleman is declared the winner. Coleman should save what's left of his reputation and concede. The longer this goes on the more he looks like a sore loser and crybaby. He will not be welcome in the Senate.
Because when the Republicans thought Coleman would win in a recount, they dragged the process out hoping that Franken would become disillusioned and concede. Now that Franken has officially won, they are upset by the results and are refusing to accept them.
When the Republicans had the majority in both houses of Congress and a Republican president they weren't concerned about one party having all the power. But now that the tables are turned, they don't like it very much. Big babies!!!! Were they not the ones telling the Democrats to just "deal with the election results in 2000 and 2004" and to move on and support the elected representatives?
So, to all of you childish Republicans, stop with your little temper tantrums and DEAL WITH IT AND MOVE ON!!!!!
Because good old Norman is not to fast on his feet and he still trying to figure out a way to steal the election. This is over no one has told Coleman yet.
Because Minnesota is making sure their recount is done right and that both sides get to express their legal rights. Other states should take heed of the thorough job they are doing to be sure the election results were accurate.
Coleman said earlier, when he was ahead, that Frankin should step aside. Now that Franken is ahead, Coleman is yelling fowl and will go to court to stop Franken from being named the winner. The Republicans are frantic not to let this seat fall to the Democrats. The Republicans already have a female air-head as one of their senators
and will fight "to the death" to re-elect Coleman. ........Go Franken.........
Valerie – Raleigh
because unlike florida and their gift of bush which keeps on giving. minn. counted the votes.
john
worcester,mass.
It gets kind of cold up there this time of year, don't cha know. Maybe all the good decision makers are down in Florida soakin' up the sun or shakin' hands with Pinocchio.
It's obviously so cold up there that everything slows down. Plus this is politics at its best, lots of commotion with no real work.
According to the millions of votes that have been counted by hand,
Franken won. But Jack, you are talking about a republican dragging
it on. What else could you expect?
Because Coleman is throwing a Republican hissy fit. He's on record saying that Franken should've dropped out when the Dem was behind in the votes, but when it was PROVEN that Franken beat him, he refused to follow his own advice and let his state and country move on. It's just the GOP's way of throwing mud after they lost fair-and-square.
Jack,
Simple. MN law says if A N Y unresolved legal challenge is pending the election can NOT be certified.
You think former Senator Coleman is going to drop his law suits? The stakes are too high. Where else can you have friends give you money "cause those guys don't make much." The Senators will have to try and get by on their new pay raise of, 4 or 5 thousand dollars/yr.
because they are both cry babys.
cant minnesota find some one with brains
did you every hear these two yoyos talk sorry is not the word
are is all of minnesota like slow ?
America! Everything has to be BIG!!
I'm just surprised they are that anxious to get the seat. Is just one seat and quite frankly, both of them are a joke. They both are treating this seat like if its the "Knights of the Round Table." And I would bet a grand that none of them don't even know what I'm talking about...
On AM, the MN sec state called it like it is and was emphatic about MN law; so Franken is the winner whether Coleman and the republican gov like it or not Mary H. Bloomington IL
Because LAWYERS have to make a living & Norm Coleman is a sole loser Jack!. If Coleman was doing his job as a US Senator for state then he would have won by a landslide AND he knows it, but he can't concede because he's a typical Republican that was too busy kissing the lobbyist feet in Washington instead of looking out for the average John & Jane Doe in Minnesota.
Republican's want to stall out (in court) losing another seat in their dwindling grip on gridlocking legislation with their record number of filibusters.
Yes America: Remember Elvis... But don't forget Buddy Holly-Richie Valance, and Big Bopper; in February... 50yrs...
It comes down to greed. The lawyers want more money so they'll drag it out, while the Incumbent wants to pull off a George Bush-type election win and hold a senate seat for the Republicans in a now Democratic congress
Who the heck knows?
One would think that with the debacles in Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004, state governments would have gotten together to fix this sort of thing to keep them from dragging on for months.
But apparently not. They're not smart enough to do so, hence the Minnesota Follies.
Wait until Spring when the weather warms up, the flowers bloom, and the GOP comes out of hibernation to take Coleman v. Franken all the way to the Supreme Court.
Because Coleman can't understand how he lost. He's typical GOP garbage,the people spoke and refuted their corporate America butt-kissing,and mainly,their ignorance of the American people. The thought of losing power and having to work in the dreaded private sector is killing him.
Because a republican didn't win.
The problem is neither party really seems to care about the will of the people, just whether their guy wins. Does anyone really believe that either count is 100% accurate? Maybe they can have a cage match to resolve this and Jesse Ventura can act as referee.
It's because the Republican lost the recount and they don't know how to deal with it. Sooner or later, probably later, though, Coleman will finally have to let go because although Franken is a comedian, Coleman's a joke.
The problem is neither party really seems to care about the will of the people, just whether their guy wins. Does anyone really believe that either count is 100% accurate? Maybe they can have a cage match to resolve this and Jesse Ventura can act as referee.
David Rench-Sherwood MI
Maybe they want to get it right, or maybe the republicans are looking for a "Floridia decision" from the courts.
Beats the heck out of me. Senator Coleman was one of the loyalists who could be counted on to click his heels and salute smartly right up until the popularity polls declared Bush a mill stone.
Mark Twain would have gone for Franken. That's good enough for me.
Jack, they should have sent ALL the votes to an elementary school in Minnesota somewhere and let FIRST GRADERS do the counting. We would have had a result a long time ago. Give me a break!
We in Minnesota would like to know that, too. Coleman is a career politician who's never held a real job. Maybe he's afraid to do so. Maybe the Republican party will do anything to keep a Democratic vote out of the Senate as long as possible, and Coleman is simply their pawn.
Minneapolis, MN
It took so long because Norm Coleman is a sore loser with delusions of grandeur who apparently has no other job to run to. After all this hoopla ends, he won't be able to get a job as a dogcatcher (no offense to dogcatchers, who perform a great public service.)
Coleman lost. Franken won. End of story.
Republican politicians seem to all have one thing in common: They want to win at any cost and in any way they can.
And they need to grow the heck UP!
One of the reason is most of the norse people just don,t get it,plus the fact Coleman knows it's over for him but before he leaves he has to make sure all his rich lawyer friends make alittlt more money.One more thing Coleman isn't man enough to admit defeat.Ron in AR
There is some sort of goofy law that says that as long as there is a legal battle going on the Secetary of State can't sign the notice. This could go on forever. They had a recount now its time to finish this mess and go on.
The former dictator of the Soviet Unio once said, "It doesn't matter who casts the ballots,. What matters is who counts the ballots."
That's true especially when elections are as close as the Minnesota election is. Just ask our soon-to-be outgoing President about his 2000 race.
I don't know if Minnesota has electronic voting machines, like other states but if they do, then we should all be concerned.
Remember Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel Jack? He was elected in 1996 as the first Republican Senator in that state in 24 years. Hagel is the former chairman and chief executive of ES&S, the company that MADE ALL THE VOTE-COUNTING EQUIPMENT in the state of Nebraska during the '96 and 2000 elections! Just Something to think about while the Minnesota recount goes on.
Because Norm Coleman is a spoilsport carpetbagger who thinks he can pull a GW and steal the election. The problem is, the Supreme Court of Minnesota has backed Franken every step of the way along this process, and I can see no reason why they should reverse themselves at this point,
because the republicans are "sore losers" and cannot admit their canidate lost
Hi Jack:
I live in Minnesota – My take on it is Norm Coleman doesn't want to give up his senate job & all those great perks that are available; plus his legal team will rack up a lot of money dragging this out 2 -3 months (so one of them is already publically estimating). This soap opera has been playing for nearly 2 months with lawyers from both sides hovering over the recount process from day one and the battle over the improperly rejected absentee ballots. How can this be wrong?? Oh yeah – the vote count is not in Coleman's favor! Now the taxpayers are looking at 2 -3 months without 2 senator representation not to mention the additions costs for this challenge. Yesterday former Republican governor Arne Carlson said this should not go on any further. Makes me wonder if Norm was really looking out for the people of Minnesota.
Because the Republicans can't win without cheating.
Despite the problems with paperless electronic voting process, there have always been problems with the pencil and paper voting process as well. The closeness of the election vote has made this painfully apparent. In addition to the need to make the election process more accurate and verifiable, everyone should appreciate how important their vote is in an election.
We could use someone with a sense of humor in the Congress.
Judy, Glen Mills, Pa.
Im from Minneapolis, and as far as we can tell the big deal was that the original tally had Coleman ahead by something like 200 votes. Because the margin was so narrow, state law demanded a recount. Both camps had issues with some of the ballots, and those ballots were thrown out. Then, after the first recount, the margin was just as narrow and those thrown out ballots could make the difference, so the courts and reps from each side went in and looked at every ballot to determine the "intent of the voter". The ballots looked pretty ridiculous, with some people putting in X's instead of filling in bubbles, drawing squiggles all over the place, putting a dark circle outside of either candidate's spot on the ballot, etc... It's taking forever because neither candidate wants to lose and the margin is so close they both have a legitimate claim to recount the ballots and make sure things were right. They probably should have just done a run-off...
the GOP is trying to hand onto anything and everything they can..... they have been there own worst enemy
The former dictator of the Soviet Unio once said, “It doesn’t matter who casts the ballots,. What matters is who counts the ballots.”
That’s true especially when elections are as close as the Minnesota election is. Just ask our soon-to-be outgoing President about his 2000 race.
I don’t know if Minnesota has electronic voting machines, like other states but if they do, then we should all be concerned.
Remember Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel Jack? He was elected in 1996 as the first Republican Senator in that state in 24 years. Hagel is the former chairman and chief executive of ES&S, the company that MADE ALL THE VOTE-COUNTING EQUIPMENT in the state of Nebraska during the ‘96 and 2000 elections! Just Something to think about while the Minnesota recount goes on.
One way for the federal government to save millions of dollars would be to eliminate Saturday mail deliveries. With more and more people using e-mail, snail mail on Saturdays is totally unnecessary.
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Because they are doing it RIGHT. In a clear and comprehensive way, they are making sure that their Senator is properly elected. I admire the state and their state election officials for the meticulous lengths to which they are going to make sure that all legal ballots and votes are counted.
We live in a day and time of instant gratification, so I’m sure that this process will be criticized, but I think it is being done properly. They had in place laws and regulations that automatically triggered a non-partisan recount due to the closeness of the race, and they have set procedures for determining that ballots cast are valid, and properly counted. THIS IS GOOD. We might not be in the same boat we are in today if such a meticulous methodology had been used in 2000!
Why? Because all the high-level technology that, for example, permits us to send people into orbit around the planet and return them here safely, on a regular basis, doesn't seem to apply to politics.
I am not sure who really received the higher number of votes in Minnesota, but I am relatively sure we have the technology "out there" that could provide us with accurate election results in a fraction of the time it takes to count "chads" and hand-count paper ballots.
What are our politicians afraid of; the voice of the people? Not too great a characteristic for the world's leading democracy! What a shame!
Jack, what's taking so long is that there are so many "abnormalities" with the vote. In 25 precincts, they counted more votes than the actual number of people who voted, and an overwhelming majority of those votes went for Franken! Since Mark Ritchie is a HUGE supporter of Franken and is the head of the canvassing board, something really stinks! Oh, and boxes of votes were "found" in trunks of cars and almost none of them were for Coleman; again, something really, really stinks in Minnesota!
Jack,
Let me see if I get this in the 2000 Presidental election the GOP did not want to count the votes when Bush lead in Florida. However, now they want to count and count the votes until the GOP can steal this election too. Please GOP get over it this country is through with the Righ WIng Agenda.
Good question Jack. Oh, you want an answer, hmm, right, let me think. Nope, there is no good reason it should be taking this long.
Well, Minnesota does have a lot of lakes. Maybe some of the people that should have been counting votes were off fishing. Norm Coleman has the right to challenge the recount since some of the numbers didn't add up on the recount. It sends up a few red flags when the number of votes for a district exceed the number of registered voters for that district.
Jack,
Let me see if I get this in the 2000 Presidental election the GOP did not want to count the votes when Bush lead in Florida. However, now they want to count and count the votes until the GOP can steal this election too. Please GOP get over it this country is through with the Right WIng Agenda.
Corrected copy sorry Jack
I believe that state has already elected their senator. It is the politicians who are throwing a monkey wrench into the works – as they always do. Remember, they are all politicians (read: disingenuous). Franken is a professional clown (read: honest).
I think Franken is another joke! He should go to Gaza with Joe the Plumber. He must have people fooled or they don't know how to count in Minnesota. They talk about Burris. Franken isn't worthy to shine Burris' shoes. I've wondered too what the hold up is. I smell a rat to tell you the truth....
Rachel from Illinois
Hey - It's better than in Illinois where the crook can put the senile moron into office. At least with Franken and Coleman, there are votes of the people to count.
Pathetic isn't it Jack? Coleman LOST!!!!! He should step aside and let's get on with our problems. Got to feel sorry for old Normie though. He's the only politician I know of who can lose a statewide election to a professional wrestler, sneak in the back door when Paul Wellstone is killed, and then lose another statewide election to a comedian. People like him we don't need.
Well jack you have to give the republicans time to get all the courts involved. Since Coleman wasn't able to get enough vote thrown out to win.
Sorry Paul but there WAS a superb candidate in that race. His name: Dean Barkley. He did well. Almost a half million people voted for him.
I hope he runs for governor in two years cause he's got my vote.
Easy – Mr. Coleman – and the Republicans – are a bunch of whiners. lol Mobile, AL
Blame it on coffee jitters - Minnesota has a huge Scandinavian population, and Scandinavians - per capita - consume the greatest of coffee worldwide. So there you are!
Because they simply kept recounting until the democrat won.
Attorneys, attorneys, attorneys!!!
Minnesota sets a good example for the rest of us. They want accurate counts, not counts coerced from underlings such as we saw in Florida.
The people who made the rules for the Minnesota recount are the same ones who decided the how overtime works in the NFL and the BSC rules in college football.
Jack,
Get with it brother and start listening to Shakespeare.....
( I hope I don't need to quote the reference)
Have a nice day Jack,
Chip.
Thechiphitsthefan
Minnesta is auditioning to be a member of the U.S. Senate Comedy Troupe. Unfortunately, no one is amused.
I think this may all relate to the cheesehead issue, no brains, just cheese!!!
Because Norm Coleman and Republicans have shown, they don't care how much it cost the tax payers, to recount and recount. Norm Coleman has shown he, like the Republicans are sore losers and want to keep nailing the tax payer, as long as the press keeps shoving mikes in their faces.
Send Al to DC, he won it and like Clinton who agreed to the rules, Norm must show he's a man and get out. It's time for change.
Who has time for drama, with our economy collapsing around our families.
Given Minnesota's inability to govern itself, perhaps it should be folded into North Dakota – who would really notice.
It's taking so long because Norm is being a spoiled sport and can't get over the fact that he lost! The people have spoken, now let's move onto more important issues like fixing our country.
It isn't Minnesota, it's Norm Coleman, unable to accept that someone could beat him by making fun of him, and having almost infinite dollars to fight the issue. We might have a junior senator from Minnesota in time for the next election.
We must have a lot of extra money. So to use it up we need to spend it on recounts. Once we get to lucky number 7 we should have it figured out, and be broke.
It's Minnasota. What else should this country expect. Next election it's probably going to be either New Mexica or Nevada
At this time of year it's freezing in Minnesota. Their bowls are frozen. Frozen bowls move slowly.
It took HOW long to decide on a democratic leader??? so why would this be such a surprise?
Lynda
Canada
dimppled chad's.................frost bite of the brain,............oh what the hell jack..............good o'l buericraitic stupidity
george
chester,ct.
Jack, I like you, don't make me mad! It was a tie in MN! Franken has won by only 225 votes. The recount was open, honest, fair and covered by all the media. If anything the state and Mark Richie should be APPLAUDED for an honest process....but, I understand it's more fun to poke fun and complain. Really, Jack...get it right!
Jack,
It's because its so cold in Minnesota. It's hard to c-c-c-count. T-t-two, t-t-three. If the person recording the count stumbles over the stutter, they have to restart.
This reccount stuff is ridiculous If they can't count the votes they already have correctly, use the money they waste on the recount and hold a special election. As for having someone to represent them in Washington, look at the numbers of absentees and abstainees. One more won't matter!!
If you would read the papers you would know that it's taking so long because the law of Minnesota prescribes that when the election results are so close, a recount is automatic. What's wrong with that? There should be no challenge about their following their own laws.
If voters would follow instructions, mark their ballot in the appropriate ink and not try to be clever, there wouldn't be ballots that are contested. The winner would have been decided weeks ago. Marking a ballot correctly does not require a high IQ.
Because There Lawyers!!!!
If you need to drag something out call a lawyer!
Chuck from New York
Jack,
Why do you and others in the media find it necessary to belittle Al Franken? Yes, he was on Saturday Night Live, as a writer and comedian. Does that negate his ability to serve in the Senate? The recount is over and the people have spoken and they've chosen Al Franken. Besides, we've already had one comedian in office (George W. Bush); we should give another one (one with a high IQ, who at least knows words over 1 syllable) a chance. Go Al!
It is taking so long because first the recount people took there sweet time to do the freaking recount and now when its finally over norm Colman is wining cause he lost
MN
It's easy to explain. The political process, like everything else in Minnesota, is frozen in the winter and can't move anywhere. I'm thinking they're waiting for the spring thaw to unfreeze this race...
Erika
Portland, OR
Ya you Betcha Olie, but lena she don't believe you!
That's it in a nutshell Jack.
dick
colorado
Neither one of these nitwits are worth the delays cost, and nonsense they have caused the voters. Franken should have remained as a writer for Saturday Night Live. We would, at least, boo him when he failed to please us.
The winner should be the winner...as long as it's not a Republican.
It's taking so long because, as in the state of Washington, it takes Democrats a long time to figure out how to wrestle the election away from the legitimate winner. They then label the Republican, who won the election, a complainer. And the media reinforces this strange interpretation of events. Bill Dermody, Zion, Illinois
Simple – Coleman's a Douche
Calm down, Jack. It's cold up here in Minnesota and sometimes things move slower than they do in New York. It was a close election and we want to make sure we get the results right. It's a small fraction of one percent that seperates these candidates...democracy is about getting it right, and if Norm Coleman wants a court to double-check that we got it, the law allows him to do it. Florida was a fiasco...Minnesota is just meticulous.
Minnesotans are the losers as they evenly split their choice. Two egotistic individuals will spend endless time and money during their quest for the power when the country is sorely hurting because of recession. A good lesson for Minnesotans.
Who do I sue to get the last eight lousy years of deceit, incompetence and corruption back? Cy Gardner arlington, va
Because the vast majority of egotistical morons we send to Congress do not really care about this country. They care only about themselves. Coleman said (when he was winning) that Franken should concede so the healing can begin. But now that he is losing, he changes his tune.
We need to start throwing people out of office in the primaries, and stop with this partisan fear. And while we are at it, stop sending people you think will force your personal opinion upon the rest of us. They don't listen to public opinion polls. American morons won't vote for them, unless they explicitly state that they will not listen to us.
It is not the state of Minn. holding up the election process...
it's a gigantic ego that won't accept defeat!
Tim H, Minneapolis; MN
From The Land of 10,000 Lakes comes The Land of 10,000 Lunatics – starring Jesse, Al and The Canvassing Board! The original count wasn't good enough and our state will do whatever it takes to elect a lunatic to The Senate. It will be a sad day across our state when a raging jerk takes office to represent a state that prides itself on being politically active. Our streak of failed lawmakers will continue well in to the next decade – maybe Jesse wants the seat next?
The "reasonable" answer I can come up with is they are ALL suffering from "Brain Freeze"...I am sure that we will not have a final decision until the "First Thaw" and that could be in May ~ Good Grief
What else is there to do in that state? It's really cold up there 🙂
It's clear to me. Coleman wants to get this issue to the US Supreme Court, just like the Bushies did in 2000. Let Thomas, Roberts, et al deliver the goods.
Remember, the Republican Party has a long history of yelling about "legal technicalities" except when they can find one to serve their agenda.
I don't know why it is taking so long. I have not heard about any 'chads'. Maybe it really is just so close that the process takes a long time.
And as to Franken being from SNL, so what? He is still a citizen, right? And being successful as a comedian is hard work and requires INTELLIGENCE.
So, he's already ahead of a lot of what we already have in the Senate, smart and hard working. Plus, at least he can keep us laughing while we are falling further into the pits. I don't remember there being much to laugh about in the last eight years. I'm ready for a chuckle or two!
Jack, maybe it is taking so long to count the votes is that they have George Bush counting the votes. Each time he get to 20 he has to start over because he runs out of fingers and toes.
It is obvious jack ,coleman is a sore loser. He claims he wants the same votes that he fought to be throw out now to be counted. Whats next . He'll want only the votes cast for him to count.
You know Jack, it's a no-brainer. Eight years ago, Florida stole the show with Al Gore whinging about George W. Bush taking the state. So, to get back at those guys down in West Palm Beach, the people in Minnesota, specifically the sore-losing Republicans, decided to take over from them in terms of the political circus. It a show that is eight years in the making. Which state will be next? We're taking names, Jack. We're taking names. Perhaps you folks in the Situation Room can make a story on that.
Brain-freeze.
As a Minnesotan, I'm a little insulted that our recount process has been compared to the wreck that was Florida. Minnesota's recount has been transparent, open, and bipartisan. The only problem is that Norm Coleman has been continuously flip-flopping to make the recount suit his needs and refuses to accept that he lost. It doesn't matter how many recounts they do, he needs to realize his time is up.
Hello Jack,
the people of Minnesota seem to be a little confused, have you guys seen the comments they wrote on their ballots?
Sara in Illinois (ok, now don't laugh at our Governor)
Jack,
I have watched the recount along with most of Minnesota. I think the canvassing board has done a conscientious job and has been extremely careful to not look like Florida. The reason this is not over yet? Three simple words: Lawyers, Lawyers Lawyers.
Right now, anything to do with our state and national government, works just this way. Anyone who doesn't know this yet, has been fortunate not to have to deal with their government lately.
Jack, I love you dearly but you got this issues very wrong. I am very proud of our neighboring state in Minnesota for how they have handled the recount of the senatorial race. Think of the misery this country could have been saved if Florida would have behaved the same way eight years ago.
Linda Goodwin
La Crosse, Wi.
does it matter? both norm coleman and al franken represent the intrests of the corporations and not the people. maybe we should have another election with candidates worth voting for
Well Jack you have to understand who we are dealing with. These are people who fish on frozen lakes. How can we believe that they can a vote right?
Hi Jack,
The reason it's taking so long is because Norm Coleman is being a jerk. Having previous lived in the Twin Cities I remember him all too well.
The day after the election, Norm Coleman, knowing that Minnesota state law would require a recount, taunted Al Franken by stating that if he were in Franken's position, he would "trust the process" and concede.
Funny, how two months to the day, Norm is now fighting the very process that he so recently hailed. Apparently the process is only important when you are ahead?
Time to move on, Norm! You are in Sen. Franken's way!
It's difficult to get an accurate count with winter gloves on.
Straight talk from a Minnesotan? Because Coleman think he's entitled. If the edge were on his side, he'd be as smug as he usually is. It's that simple. PS: Nobody from MN I know talks like the movie Fargo, and thank God.
Excuse me! I'm from Minnesota and I take issue with your comparison to Florida! I've watched closely the recount . My faith in the system has been restored! There were 2.9 million votes cast. The difference in the initial count and the final count is approximately 500 votes. The recount was open and available to anyone who wanted to follow the proceedings over the internet. The only problem that I could see was that the Minnesota public was not overly impressed with either candidate. The system here has been proven to be honest and totally above board - no Supreme Court to stop the counting, no hanging chads, no Katherine Harris!
Jack, maybe it is because Minnesota is holding off sending another clown to Washington, enough said.
It's just a guess, but Coleman seems to be a poor loser.
It's also possible that Coleman judy can't quite believe that Al, the comedian was actually serious about the job. Is Coleman a snob?
Maybe this is just a stint to get the eyes off of what happened in Florida a few years back (neglecting of African American votes in Florida) and creating a new focal point to focus on, that will overpower the Florida situation in history, and keep the eyes off of whatever else may be whats going on in DC (filler you know).
Jack
It is very simple... the Minnesota vote is so close and therefore is contestable. Where there is so much money and power at stake they will fight it all the way.
Come on jack wake up. you know perfectly well what the problem is. The Republicans have never respected the will of the people. They didn't do it in Florida in 2000, they didn't do it in ohio in 2004 and they are not doing it now in Minnesota. If they can't win honestly and they never will, then all they have left is to let the judges thatn they installed rip it away from the people.
as a black republican, i have come to my senses that coleman, seeks power more then wanting to serve the public. republican affairs will not last long in america, look for other parties such as the green party to take flight.
antonio m. st.petersburg, florida
Jack:
Minnesota did elect a senator and it's not Norm Coleman; it's Al Franken. Why is it that, when someone elects a Repub, it's considered an 'honest' election but when someone elects a Dem, it's a 'sham', a 'fraud' and requires a lawsuit to settle it? Seems to me as if the Repubs can't handle losing, no matter who their candidate is.
After witnessing the absurdity of Franken and Coleman's campaigns, I am not surprised that they would waste all this time and money over the recount(s). They are both too proud and too stubborn to let down!!
Jack: I'll forget and forgive your comments about the "Minnesota Follies" and the crack about Jesse Ventura just to let you know that we followed our state laws and recounted the ballots as outlined in our State Constitution. But more importantly, We did elect a senator and that would be Al Franken. It's Norm "I like to ride inside GW's butt", Colemen whose making us look like fools. This is the guy who declared himself the winner the day after the election and told Al Franken to conceed. Now that Franken has been elected, Norm won't go away. So the question is not what's up or wrong in Minnesota but rather what's up and definately wrong with Norm Coleman.
Thats easy Jack, The republicans will do anything to hang on to one more vote in the senate. They dont care what it does to the states reputation, they dont care what it does to disenfranchise the voters, they dont care how much valuable, needed elswhere tax dollars are wasted in the fight, its all about them and that one stinking vote. To me it shows just how much republicans care more about themselves and power than they do for our country.
They need to take a cue from their wrestling heritage... snap into a Slim Jim! A Steel Cage Match, mano-a-mano... toss a folding chair in the mix and that's a good campaign! And best of all, Pay-Per-View sales of the match could help support the Minnesota state budget! Boo-yah!
On the plus side, the longer they drag this mess out, the better it makes my Flori-duh look! 🙂
A close race in this country means the finish line has yet to be laid down. Enter lawyers. Now, the real race begins.
Jack, having lived in Minnesota for too many years I attribute it to the "Minnesota nice" affliction. With less than 200 votes separating the two candidates the whole state is scared to death of offending anyone – even arch political rivals. Furthermore I can't imaging other states not enduring similar struggles with such a close vote count.
To Al Franken I say, do not worry. Just remember the words of your alter-ego "Stuart Smalley" and you will persevere: " I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me."
Jack, The reason it's taking so long is because the Republicans are so corrupt they literally have to claw their way back into any existance after their recent ass-whippings. It's not Minnesota, it's because of lawyers perpetuating the scenario.
The reason it is taking so long is there is NO political system more complicated on the face of the earth than the U.S. system. Come on......for a country that put a "MAN ON THE MOON" there has to be a much easier system...hmmm, how about adopting the Canadian system where everyone votes the exact same way? No difference from province to province....if you vote on the east coast, you vote the exact same way on the west coast...it's simple...use the KISS principal and you'll solve many of your problems. Hanging chads, manual counting of millions of votes....hello, a 5th grader with an ipod touch could count the results quicker.
they can't get in to big a hurry. there may be more ballots in somebodys car trunk that haven't been counted. 50% of Minnesotans must be brain damaged
Ego.....is the main reason Minnesota is still playing "Who won the election". Coleman suggested Franken concede on election night with a wider vote spread than exist at this time. Maybe Coleman should practice what he preaches, but hey why would he start now!!
Ask Norm! A month ago, ahead in the vote count, Coleman told Franken to "do the right thing" and concede the race from hell. Now that he is behind...he goes litigeous!! As they say up there..."could be worse"...or could it?
Moon from Maryland
C'mon, Jack. Are you serious? Why is it taking so long? It's because in Minnesota we actually follow state laws to insure everyone's vote is heard. This isn't Florida or Ohio, where the respective Secretaries of State had a mission to steal the election for the Republican Party by making sure a recount doesn't happen. No, we follow the law here. And dig back in your archives and you'll find Norm Coleman saying on November 4th that he'd concede the election if the vote count showed he lost. Let's face it. Both these candidates are clowns.
Bogart
Minneapolis
All fair-minded analyses that have looked into this have said Minnesota's process has been honest and transparent. To get a race this close right is tedious, but to sneer at the process without evidence, just because it takes a while, is a cheap shot. I usually agree with you, but not this time. I want Franken to win, but only if he got the most votes.
Anyone who votes for a wrestler and then a comedian to run their state created this mess. How dumb can you get? Voters in Minnesota are a joke.
While I agree that the lawsuit challenging the recount of the recount is an embarrassing situation for the state of Minnesota, it is all part of the Democratic process. While this is a tedious and painful process to watch, the truth is that if we lived in a country where people were not able to challenge rules or results, were not able to put into question the process by which we perform our elections, then we would no longer live in a democracy. People often decry lawyers for slowing things down, but the trial system of the United States is an essential part of our government. If you want to live in a government where such things are not challenged, where you are not able to make such lawsuits, then you should probably move to China. I hear they don't put up with such upstart attitudes.
I am a Minnesota resident and I just wish this would end! I simply wish Norm Coleman would take it like a man and step aside – it has now been certified. Get over it and move on. The people have spoken. I think this is an attempt by the GOP National Committee to somehow obtain a seat that is no longer theirs – no matter what the cost.
The reason it is taking so long to complete the vote in Minnesota is because in this state we do things right. You and even I may not agree with the results of every vote, but we can be damn sure that the results are valid and lawful. You can put down our choices but you show your ignorance when you question the political process of out state. Find any state that has a cleaner, more democratic process than ours!
You would have had to have lived in Minnesota to understand – this is the land of the self-righteous and their brains are frozen!
The Minneapolis police chief's wife used to get arrested regularly for protesting her liberal causes; the state gives great welfare benefits; they believe their school system is superior to all others; BUT Native Americans are subjected to as much prejudice as blacks and other minorities are in other areas.
The state has yet to figure out whether it is liberal or religious conservative and until they do, Jesse, Al and others of their ilk will continue to puzzle the rest of us.
Jack, most of the time you are right on...not this time. The canvassing board, following the law of the State requiring a recount, has declared taha Mr. Franken has more votes than Mr. Coleman. Prior to the recount Mr Coelman suggested that Mr. Franken forego the recount to spare the people of MN the cost of the process. Now, Mr. Coleman is filing a suit seeking a recount of the recount. Let's get the facts straight.
Jack, Coleman used to be a Democrat, so I know he can count. Now that he is a Republican, all common sense goes out the window! Somehow Republicans feel the rules don't apply when it comes to them, ie Kathryn Harris, Michell Bachman, Sarah(the father of my grandson doesn't have to play by the rules) Palin.
Jack, don't you check the weather it is freezing here who has time for recount, political and election process. We'll get it done when spring comes.
Jack,
I seem to remember Norm Coleman asking Al Frankin to conceed back in November when he led by 400 or so votes and the election had not been certified. Another do as I say not as I do politician? Al Frankin will be a breath of fresh air in the Senate.
It's like giving children too many options instead of making a decision.
Jack, it's because of all the "Powdermilk Milk Biscuits" the Minnesotians eat, it slows down processes in all forms. Garrison Keeler understands this, and we need comedians in the Senate to keep the old timers from falling asleep during hearings.
Kevin
Warren, MI
Well probably because Al Franken and the democrats are trying to steal the election and Coleman will not roll over. But Minnesota is capable of electing anybody in that state of liberals. They were stupid enough to elect a Wrestler as Governor. Go figure.
Hello Jack,
Because Jebb Bush is not the Governor of MN to play the game for the Repubican party and the people of MN are not stupid like people of FL that put us in this bad situation we are today
Olonode's family
Houston Texas
There is not the slightest shred of similarity between the Florida situation and Minnesota. The Secretary of State of Minnesota is an honorable man who has bent over backwards to be fair and to follow the law. The governor of this state is not the brother of one of the candidates. The Secretary of State is not a rabid republican. If the matter is settled at the Supreme Court level, you will not have two of the justices appointed by daddy. What you have in Minnesota is two weak candidates, further weakened by an attractive, if financially and politically unsupported, third party who took a nontrivial percentage of the vote. Democracy can be messy. I am as proud of what has occurred in Minnesota as I was ashamed of the virtual coup d'etat that occurred in the second coming of Bush Jr.
Jack:
The reason it is taking so long to conclude the Minnesota Senate contest is due to the process being outdated and fundamentally flawed. This in turn allows for voter fraud – which I believe ios rampant.
Talk about infrastructure stimulus spending? How about a standardized, modernized fraud proff voting system that is centrally monitored and audited.
If a significant portion of tho eligible voting public were to feel that the election "playing field" were tilted, it would result in the end of American democracy as we know it..
Coleman is suffering from winter lutefisk overload. This is a delusional state in which an excess of snow and salted fish cause people to believe they can alter reality through sheer persistence. Liz from Florida is right that caffeine is part of the problem, as the state canvassing board has probably been at the local waffle house since November eating kringla, telling Olga and Ollie jokes, and drinking so much coffee that they cannot settle down enough to actually count anything.
Jack, are you saying we should value expediency over accuracy? So we'll have a few weeks with less than 100 senators. Is that really worse than getting the count wrong?
In an election with almost 3 million votes, the margin of victory is coming down to about .0075 percent of the vote. Lets get it done right, rather than just fast.
...thats how we do things up here, we turn all of our tasks into a drinking game. If we spread it out long enough, it could take all year.
I don't know what's wrong with the counting of the ballots Jack, unless they felt it was their turn to hold the country at bay while picking between the lessor of two evils. But what sickens me is politicians who just don't know when to say enough is enough they lost. It isn't over, Coleman is going to decrease the lead of Franken to 42, Minnesota will decide to have another election and Franken will take his case to the Supreme Court. Perhaps the seat will be taken in term two of the Obama administration.
Atlanta
Franken looked in the mirror and said: "dog-gone-it, I'm good enough " for SNL. But is he good enough for the USA?
Coleman is one of those political whinners who is finding it so hard to lose his senate seat. He wants to purnish minnesota for not re-electing him. It is sad to see this big old crybaby like coleman Mr Coleman please take your defeat like a grown up and move on....
From what I understand there are 25 precincts that have more ballots cast than they have registered voters. I also believe that some provisional ballots were copied (that's right – xeroxed) and then placed, along with the actual provisional ballots, into the count. I THINK THAT'S CALLED DOUBLE COUNTING OR STUFFING THE BALLOT BOX! But what the heck, that damn Norm Coleman won't just stand aside for ballot tampering.
You show ignorance when you question Minnesota's election process. A close race needs to be carefully and correctly processed. We in Minnesota are proud of our election process, if not always the results.
You can’t possibly be suggesting that the people of Minnesota did something wrong! This was a very contested and personal election. I have never seen people get so involved in a senate race. Of the 2 million plus votes casted and the difference is between the Coleman and Franken is less than a hundredth of a percent. After a long hand recount Franken is in the lead by 200 votes. Now Coleman will take it to court. Minnesotans did their job. The candidates are prolonging it. Neither will accept a loss.
Jack – It's hard to handle ballots with frostbite.
The professional politicians cannot believe they lost. I love this election and this year has been great. The People took back the country. We need a good laugh in washington. Long live Al Franken. We have shown the world how it is done in a democracy. Messy, loud and exciting!
Jack, This kind of vote counting is how W. was voted in why not drag it longer if you get the same out come!!
Minnesota elected the first governor outside of the two-party system because their votes backed up a sincere desire for change absent with previous governors of either major party. If the end result is positive change, so what if the package is wrapped in tights, purple boas, or lispy self-affirmations!!
This is apples & oranges, Jack, unless Coleman pulls a Bush, and steals the election, It's not the same.
Sandra
New Jersey
There seems to be a continuing erosion of an old political system that no longer seems to work. I think the major parties along with congress and the states need to start working on new election rules and standards. Rushbedamned
well they aren't watching the nfl playoffs so that can't be it, maybe the incumbent can't believe that the self help guru stuart smartly is no longer sitting in alcoholics parents anonymous but in his seat in senate. i wouldn't contest it, because then he will be too busy to cause anymore "discomfort" with abstinent conservatives, but he may get a little rowdy if someone interrupts "And then we're going to Washington D.C. to take back the White House! Byyahh!!!"
Why is it taking Minnesota so long to elect a senator?
A very close race means all votes cast must be meticuously counted, unfortunately that was not done in Florida during the 2000 Presidential election...as a result look what the American people have had to contend with: an illegitimate President, a corrupt Supreme Court, and a fundamentalist society that is mired in medieval values and otherworldliness.....
What's wrong with all the systems in our States and our Government, it's an easy answer:
Lawyers and Attorney's
They made it, they run it, they screw it up, they charge us to fix it, they break it, they charge us to fix it, they screw it up again, charge us to fix it, and it just goes on, and on, and on.
They should be banned from government.