Al Franken, Norm Coleman Senate Election Results?

***Check Back For Updates And Results As They Become Available***

The Minnesota Senate race has been a hotly contested one, with polls showing incumbent Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken neck and neck. Even if there race weren't close, it would garner national attention for the fact that Franken is a well-known comedian and former SNL writer.

Recently the race has also received attention because of some of the ugly turns it has taken. The Huffington Post has reported on Coleman's legal problems over a $75,000 donation and Coleman has even gone so far as to sue Franken for defamation for reasons that are not clear.

The race's ads have been nasty as well.

Here's one from Coleman:

And here's one from Franken in response to an earlier ad by Coleman:

Comments

[JJinWI]

America needs more Paul Wellstones. It is truly a sad world without him.
What's up with this election? It is pathetic that they can't get this recount
finished.

[Johnniedog]

HEY!! HUFFPOST!!!
The story's title clearly says "Election Results". Don't you think it might be prudent to have the Election Results posted here?
They must be hidden!!

[courageunderfire]

I am running beside you Al,...... "C'mon, you can take this guy, YOU CAN TAKE THIS GUY!!!"

Paul Wellstone was my hero.

[lazercat2008]

Who is responsible for the false attacks on Al Franken? Here are some interesting facts.

With Rove’s protégé Feather in the mix, they have someone who has extensive experience in moving the needle of public opinion in those targeted states.

In addition to his Bush/Cheney work and his associations with Freedom’s Watch and The American Issues Project, Feather has been instrumental in getting the GOP message directly to voters for the past several years through his company, FLS Connect.

FLS Connect describes itself as “innovators in the voter and constituent communications industry” and claims that among their clients are all 50 Republican State Parties, the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee, the Republican Governors Association, the United States Chamber of Commerce, Grover Norquist’s group Americans for Tax Reform, Citizens Against Government Waste, and the National Rifle Association, to name a few.

Swift boats, Robo-calls, and dirty astro-turf campaigns are their specialties. Norm Coleman paid Tony Feather 1.6 million for "consultant fees".

[lazercat2008]

Hopefully they are following IRS rules.

"The New 527s

According to Karen Blackistone, an attorney with the Washington, D.C. based law firm of Holtzman Vogel, PLLC., a firm that specializes in elections, political, and campaign finance law, 501(c)(4)'s must use the majority of their funding for issues-based appeals but may use the remaining funds for “political purposes.”

When asked to explain, Blackistone said, “527s are 100 percent political while a 501(c)(4)’s primary purpose has to be ‘social welfare’ which means that a majority of their activities could be things like issue advocacy. There is some dispute, however, over what percentage of their activity must be devoted to social welfare to be considered the ‘primary purpose.’ So long as its not their primary purpose, a 501(c)(4) can engage in non-partisan political activity which could include ‘Get out the Vote’ efforts, candidate report cards, rides to the polls, and more.”

As for disclosing who contributes to the organization, Blackistone said “All nonprofit organizations are required to file an annual tax return with the IRS, including the names, addresses and amounts of contributions over $5,000. This information, however, is not required by law to be made public. Under some circumstances, donors may be required to be disclosed publicly on FEC filings if the 501(c)(4) airs issue advocacy electioneering communications.”

[lazercat2008]

Former Tennessee U.S. Sen. Bill Frist has formed a number of partnerships since departing the U.S. Senate two years ago that have kept him in the public eye while staying out of politics — including with former Senate Democratic adversary Tom Daschle.

The City Paper has learned that Frist has quietly teamed up with up with a political figure that has largely defined the GOP for the past eight years — former Bush Whitehouse campaign guru Karl Rove.
Where the attacks on Al Franken have been coming from.

"Frist and Rove, who is former senior advisor to President George W. Bush, are working to pour millions of dollars into key GOP targeted United States Senate races this election season.

According to sources with knowledge of the Frist/Rove operation, the two national Republican figures have been working with a high-powered Washington-based GOP operative and Rove protégé, Tony Feather. Sources say the duo is raising significant sums of money from individual and corporate donors, which is then directed to Feather. Feather then determines where the money is spent and can best help Republican U.S. Senate candidates and incumbents."--The City Paper

[ShephDJ]

My question: were the overseas (including military) absentee ballots counted yet? In the past, I recall hearing that these votes were usually counted quite late.

[roooth]

Al - Never surrender!!!!

Recount, mudwrestle, whatever, don't give up!

[BillCarson]

Latest at intrade, http://www.intrade.com/
In the last 10 minutes the number jumped to, Al Franken: 85% chance to win.

[BillCarson]

Latest at intrade, http://www.intrade.com/
Predicting Al 75% chance to win.

[StaninLA]

My biggest three are:

Barack wins
Prop 8 (California anti-gay measure) loses
Al wins

[EllaBee]

Georgia here-pulling for you AL!

[Wackiavelli]

GO AL!!!