Minnesota Senate Recount Begins Between Franken and Coleman

Minnesota is becoming a state with a very unique recent history in politics. When Jesse Ventura became governor, Minnesota was a national punchline for a while. When Al Franken announced he was running for Minnesota's Senate seat, it was another chance to make fun of Minnesota. However, since Franken has been outspoken on politics for some time, it wasn't as comical as Ventura. But the celebrity angle of a Minnesota political race is taking a back seat this time.

The Minnesota Senate race between Franken and Republican incumbent Norm Coleman is so close, the election is still going on. An official recount of Coleman and Franken's ballots began Wednesday, according to CNN, as Minnesota officials try to determine once and for all who Minnesota's Senator is.

Coleman was ahead on election day, but his lead shrunk more and more as ballots continued to be counted. Franken narrowed the deficit to 215 votes, which is more than enough to kick off a recount.

Minnesota is now infamous not only for electing celebrities, but for a recount that could help determine the future of the Senate. As Democrats now have 58 seats in the Senate, a comeback by Franken could put the party a step away from a 60 seat majority.

Early reports from the Minnesota Secretary of State's office say that Franken has cut into Coleman's lead even further on the second day of recounting. But both Coleman and Franken's people have challenged more than 100 ballots already.

The recount is not going to be settled anytime soon, much like that national recount eight years ago. But this time, there doesn't appear to be any legal action by Coleman or Franken to delay or challenge the recount in Minnesota. By the first week of December, the recount must decide a winner.

However, if the race is still too close to call, or the election cannot be certified by the state canvassing board, the lawyers for Coleman and Franken could take over.