Minnesota Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on 2008 Senate Election

The Minnesota Supreme Court heard oral arguments this morning in Norm Coleman's appeal to overturn the results of the 2008 Senate election. Now Minnesota voters – who at this point have been without full representation in the United States Senate since January – are awaiting their verdict.

A few things to keep in mind, from our friends in Minnesota, as we wait for the final word:

– Al Franken won more votes on Election Day. He won the recount, and he won the election contest. Every single one of Coleman's claims to the contrary was denied "with prejudice" by the three judge panel last month. In fact, the ruling was so harsh that the court demanded that Coleman pay all court costs and reimburse Al Franken for some attorneys' fees.

– Not a single election law expert predicts a win for Coleman in the Minnesota Supreme Court. When asked by the press to provide one who believes they'll prevail, the Coleman campaign was unable to do so.

– Norm Coleman is trying to rewrite Minnesota election law after the election. His team is arguing that legal votes should be tossed out and illegal votes that favor him should be counted.

– The Supreme Court proceeding is the last step in a long, drawn out process. The courts have made clear that once Coleman's state appeals have run out, the election can be certified by Governor Pawlenty and Secretary of State Ritchie, and Al Franken should be seated.

On May 20, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine wrote a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty urging him to call on Norm Coleman to drop his bid for the Minnesota Senate seat so that Minnesotans would be given “their full representation in Congress.” Short of that, Kaine asked Pawlenty to "commit to signing an election certificate for the rightful winner as soon as the Minnesota state Supreme Court issues a ruling in this case." It remains to be seen whether Pawlenty will use his power and influence to end this saga, or if he will continue to allow Colman to put his own political ambition ahead of Minnesota's right to full representation in the Senate. If Colman takes this process into the federal courts - after losing in the state Supreme Court, as expected - it would be for no other reason than to deny the seating of another Democratic senator.

update (jonah)
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement on the Minnesota Senate race following today's Supreme Court hearing.

“Today’s Minnesota Supreme Court hearing hopefully marks the end of the line for Norm Coleman and his extensive legal battle that has left Minnesota without proper representation in Congress. Nearly seven months after Election Day, the fact remains that Coleman has lost at every turn – he lost the recount, he lost his lawsuit to overturn the results of that recount, and we expect Norm Coleman to lose in the Minnesota Supreme Court.

"Minnesotans realize that there is too much work to be done for their state and for the nation to allow divisive political tactics like Norm Coleman’s legal battles to continue. The people of Minnesota deserve better, and I reiterate my call on Governor Tim Pawlenty to certify the result and bring an end to this should the Minnesota Supreme Court make a definitive ruling."

Comments are now closed for this entry.