NormDollar.com: Provide Norm Coleman with the Knock-Out Punch

{First, a cheap plug for my blog Senate Guru.}

This past Monday, the Minnesota Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Republican Norm Coleman's appeal of Senator-elect Al Franken's victory. Some estimates put the release of the Court's decision at around two weeks from now. Election law experts are unanimous in their expectation that the Court will affirm Senator-elect Franken's victory, as the state Canvassing Board and the three-judge panel both have previously.

What is unclear is whether Coleman will appeal to a federal court after losing at the state level for the third time -- and whether the federal appeal would or could delay the seating of Senator-elect Franken. No doubt that Coleman would need to rely on funds from Washington D.C. Republicans to keep his appeal going to the federal level. Republicans have to decide whether it is financially and politically worth it to continue funding Coleman's appeals. With the state Supreme Court's decision expected soon, we can provide a knock-out punch.

Thanks to the "One Dollar a Day to Make Norm Coleman Go Away" effort at NormDollar.com, progressives across the country have provided Republicans with disincentive from funding Coleman's endless appeals. Due to Coleman's obstinance, progressives have raised over $140,000 to put toward assisting progressive candidates for Congress against the very Republicans whose Party leaders and funders are keeping Coleman's appeals going.

Getting the NormDollar.com effort over the $150,000 mark in advance of the Court's decision would provide a nice exclamation mark on Republicans' hesitation to continue financial support for Coleman's appeals.

If Republicans tell Coleman that they will not fund his appeals any longer, Coleman will be unable to continue his appeals, and we can finally get Senator-elect Franken seated. A contribution to the "One Dollar a Day to Make Norm Coleman Go Away" effort will encourage Republicans to send that very message to Coleman. (Adam Green offers further thoughts on the topic.)

Comments

[JuliaRyan]

This is a disgrace. What suggestions do we have where we can do something about it, other than sending it to the Supreme Court. Which will undoubtlly result in Coleman favor. The Republicans stand up for the Iranians in their election, but don't give a damn about our stolen elections. They probably regret that they cannot fire on us.

[MBryant]

Are we now in the situation where MN Gov Pawlenty (R) can sign the certificate and end this? Does anyone know exactly what Pawlenty's situation is?

At this point - it is Pawlenty and Sen Cornyn (TX-R) that are the problem. Cornyn is finding money for Coleman and Pawlenty is stalling..

[StPeteDave]

Did Al Franken just give up? Man, this is such a shame.....­reminds me of our fiasco in FL pres elections. Shake em up, AL, make em give you that seat in Washington that you won. I look forward to seeing you in congress.

[tompoe]

The law in Minnesota is explicit that the Supreme Court (Minnesota) decision is the final decision. Coleman won't interrupt that decision by appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. There is a possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court might interfere with Minnesota Court, and impose an injunction. Preemption of election laws of a state? Not many think we're still living in 2000, other than Coleman and his Party of Corporate Welfare.

[kjstjohn]

If the U.S. Supreme Court pulled another Bush v. Gore, there would be a million-person march on Washington and demands for impeachment. I agree with you that it ain't going to happen.