Coleman Contemplates Losing: I'll Do Something Else

Addressing reporters for the first time since the recount election began, Senator Norm Coleman seemed to hint that he is bracing himself for the possibility of losing his seat.

"I'm not really agonizing about the outcome," said the Minnesota Republican. "Life goes on, regardless of what your job is. I certainly love what I do. If I can keep doing it, I'll be thrilled, and if not, I'm sure I'll do something else."

The remarks, delivered to a local Fox affiliate, were preceded by a declaration from the Senator that he was confident he will ultimately win his election against challenger Al Franken. Hours later, however, the state's canvassing board closed one of Coleman's few remaining paths to victory, dismissing the Senator's attempt to re-argue 16 disputed ballots.

Currently, the Minnesota Republican finds himself trailing Franken by a reported 48 votes out of 2.9 million cast on Election Day. In order to reverse the tide, Coleman's campaign is launching a campaign against over two remaining piles of votes. There are roughly 34 ballots that they contest contain clerical errors. More significantly, they have alleged that 130 or so ballots were counted twice. There is little evidence of the latter.

On Election Day, some voters had to use a second ballot after the first one could not be properly scanned through machines. But during the recount process the total numbers of votes in each county lined up with the number cast on November 4 -- suggesting that nothing was counted twice. The state Supreme Court will decide on this matter on Tuesday. Shortly after the New Year it will also rule on what to do with the approximately 1,600 wrongfully rejected absentee ballots that, if included, would likely benefit Franken.

"I feel fairly confident," Coleman told the local Fox affiliate. "The numbers look good to us. Certainly there's uncertainty. I'm not worried about it. I've done everything I can do."

Comments

[mamacat]

The next time someone says that their vote doesn't count, they should be reminded of this election.

[08skeptic]

He can flip a coin as to who will get the top bunk bed - him ot former Alaska Sen. Stevens.

[nick1936]

PREPARE FOR YOUR DEFENCE YOU CROOK

[Liberalforsure]

Gotta love the rethuglicans, they will do what ever it takes to win whether they have to lie, cheat or steal.

[Dwjackson]

Norm, it's been real....and it's been fun.....but it ain't been "real fun".

[deke4]

How capable is Norm at making license plates. And I wonder is Norm's protector behind the wall wants him to wear high heels.

[Bluesplayer]

What's ironic is that if Coleman had spent as much time and energy representing the interests of the people of Minnesota rather than being on of Bush's Senate buttboys, Al might have never seen the need to run against him.

[rabiddog6708]

I'm sure the Fed Pri$on he will call home will have some excellent job opportunities....in the kitchen....in the laundry.....as his cellmate's personal assistant.

[RickCoMatic]

Dear Norm:
You saw her. I know you did. Only you. She was in the back of the room while the votes were being counted, and there to hear that there will be no re-viewing any of the ballots. Hard to miss her. She's, oh dear ... shall we say, "Plus-sized" to be politically correct. She was there. Waiting. Still waits; too. Waiting for you to step-up and do the right thing, Norm. The right thing! She waits for you to grasp the reality of the situation you are in and act responsibly and accordingly so that she might perform for all of us.
With her eyes on you, Norm, she waits to raise her voice yet one more time to remind us that the event is over and the Country is still GREAT! Muster your staff. Break the news. Call-up Al Franken and congratulate him. Let the woman sing, Norm. You're being haunted by the ghost of Kate Smith. She wants you too concede the election to Al Franken so we can all hear her voice, in song, as she belts-out "God Bless America!" It ain't over 'til the Fat Lady sings. And, ... you're holdin'-up the show!

[bilbo8]

Only a state that gave us Michelle Bachman would have to nickel and dime over ballots.

[JRGris]

I think Coleman will be great in the prison laundry. He can fold the underwear.

[CR46]

I think Norm's future dealings revolve around 3 hots and a cot !!!

[LeeCalif]

Don't make plans too quickly, Coalman, you may have some time to serve for those payoffs of money and reduced rent from your 'supporters'.

[DatelessNerd]

Personally, I think Norm Coleman is very convincing in those ShamWow! commercials.

[Brian Ross - Huffpost Blogger]

Well, at least he has a good understanding of the "sham" part of the business from his turn in politics.

[jdfast]

Maybe he could find new employment in jail?