The latest in Minnesota...

newdayDawning — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:43:38 GMT

Yeah...the idiot Coleman is done, the only two (besides the Republican party) too stupid to realize it are him and Pawlenty. Have a care Pawlenty, if you don't issue that election certificate, you won't get elected dog catcher. Oh.. and good job on wrecking the state's finances Pawlenty, this should ruin any chance you have of being President..as it that would EVER happen.

The latest in Minnesota...

Anna Molly — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:43:38 GMT

No kidding that's not chump change. Every dollar donated to feedamerica.org (formerly Second Harvest) buys TEN POUNDS of food for men, women, and children in REAL need.

http://feedingamerica.org/about-us.aspx

Where do YOU think that $750,000 would have been better spent?

The latest in Minnesota...

MSierra, SF — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:48:39 GMT

The Rod Blagoyevich of the Noeth !!
Minnesotans are getting TIRED of Crooked little Norm

‘…The poll asks: "If the Minnesota Supreme Court upholds a lower court ruling that certified Al Franken as the winner of the U.S. Senate race, what should Norm Coleman do? Appeal the decision? Or concede the race?" The numbers are overwhelming, with only 27% for an appeal, to 70% who would want him to concede….’

From TalkingPointsMemo:

Poll: If Coleman Loses At State Supremes, Minnesotans Don't Want A Federal Appeal

By Eric Kleefeld - May 14, 2009, 6:19PM

A new SurveyUSA poll, conducted for the ABC affiliate in the Twin Cities, finds that Minnesotans don't want Norm Coleman to take his case against the Senate election results to federal court in the event that he loses his appeal to the state Supreme Court.

The poll asks: "If the Minnesota Supreme Court upholds a lower court ruling that certified Al Franken as the winner of the U.S. Senate race, what should Norm Coleman do? Appeal the decision? Or concede the race?" The numbers are overwhelming, with only 27% for an appeal, to 70% who would want him to concede.

Democrats would quite understandably want a concession by a 94%-5% margin. Republicans are for an appeal, but by a weaker margin of 58%-37%, showing some fatigue with even the GOP base. Independents would favor a concession by 65%-29%...’

The Rod Blagoyevich of the Noeth !!
Crooked little Norm

POPPA NEEDS NEW SHOES !!

From yesterday’s MyDD:

‘…Norm Coleman Reportedly Under FBI Investigation
by Jonathan Singer, Thu May 14, 2009 at 11:40:24 AM EST

Sam Stein has the scoop for the Huffington Post:

The FBI is investigating allegations that former Senator Norm Coleman had clothing and other items purchased on his behalf by a longtime friend and businessman Nasser Kazeminy, according to a source in Minnesota who was interviewed recently by federal agents.

[...]

The Minnesota source said the FBI questioning focused on whether Kazeminy had purchased clothing on Coleman's behalf, reports of which surfaced in October. At the time, Coleman vehemently denied the allegations. "Nobody but me and my wife buy my suits," he said.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press separately has the story again:

FBI agents in Minnesota have begun asking questions about the relationship between former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman and a close friend and donor, according to a Minnesota source to whom the agents talked.
It's not clear that this will make the Republicans any less likely to try to further drag out litigation to keep Al Franken from being seated in the Senate. After all, as Republicans have already conceded, keeping Franken out of the Senate -- even if just for a few more weeks or months rather than for good -- means that they can still filibuster when they want to.

But with this news out there, it will be increasingly difficult and potentially even untenable for Minnesota's Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty to continue resisting to certify Franken's victory in the seemingly likely event that the state's Supreme Court does not overturn the current count in the election. Pawlenty could try to hold out -- but for a former Senator reportedly under FBI investigation? It will be a tough argument to make, one that could not only harm his chances at reelection (should that be his goal) but even his hopes of challenging Barack Obama in 2012 (should that be his goal).)...

The latest in Minnesota...

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:49:19 GMT

First, the National Republican Senatorial Committee has committed $750,000 to help Coleman pay his legal bills. A Republican official insists that this money is to help pay past legal bills -- not future ones that might be incurred if Coleman decides to take his case to the U.S. Supreme Court. It's worth pointing out that this $750,000 isn't chump change.

--------------------------------------

Couldn't that be considered...*gasp*...a bailout?

The latest in Minnesota...

Legal Eagle — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:49:49 GMT

Too bad for the Democrats that there is a justice system in place in this country. Life would be so much easier if a dictator could just tell us what to do. I know it's hard for Democrats to follow the laws and the rules, but you Dems are just going to need to simmer down and behave yourselves while the courts consider all the legal arguments.

The latest in Minnesota...

She-Bang — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:51:51 GMT

Kaine afraid to talk to Coleman directly is he?

The latest in Minnesota...

Tim (party before gubernatorial responsibilities) Kaine — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:54:10 GMT

I'm sure hearing from Kaine will make Pawlenty really scared. And Kaine's got enough problems right here in Virginia. He might want to attend to them.

The latest in Minnesota...

Mikey Furlong Long Island NY — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:55:25 GMT

The latest in Minnesota...

Ron Indiana — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:57:38 GMT

Anna Molly: Point well made!!

The notion that the money is for past legal debts clearly suggests the GOP is not interested in taking this fight further. The only question is, "How long does it take for the Supreme Court to decide?" Answer: 2 minutes.

The latest in Minnesota...

JustThinkin — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:00:25 GMT

Incredible that one man's ego and one party's ignorance and arrogance (yes, Coleman and Republicans I mean you) has wasted so much time and money. If I were a Minnesotan I'd be furious.

This $750,000 bailout for Coleman's legal expenses from the party that talks constantly about pork! Does hypocrite ring a bell?

The latest in Minnesota...

In your own back yard, Charlotte, VA — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:01:18 GMT

Kaine, you're from Virginia, not Minnesota, right? Stay there, you b@st@rd.

The latest in Minnesota...

A Friend — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:03:49 GMT

MSierra, SF - San Fran, right?

Clean up your own states financial mess, the biggest in the country, before you cut and paste a whole lot of nothing to this board.

The latest in Minnesota...

Frank "Grimey" Grimes, Springfield, USA — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:05:25 GMT

Anna Molly...couldn't that logic be applied to all political contributions, including President Obama who raised more money than anyone? (I'd much rather see money donated to charity than spent on political purposes).

I still don't understand the pressure being put on Pawlentey. The STATE LAW says that you can't certify a winner until ALL STATE APPEALS ARE CONCLUDED. Last I checked, the MN Supreme Court challenge would meet that requirement. So he is just following the law. Now, if Coleman loses and appeals to a federal court, I'd say the Dems would have reason to pressure Pawlentey.

The latest in Minnesota...

Jody, Iowa — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:08:02 GMT

Well stated Gov Kaine. If the GOP cut off the funds and Coleman had to pay for this himself, he would have conceded long ago. I think I read or heard that Coleman must also pay for some of Franken's legal fees--wonder how republicans like having their money spent in this manner, fighting what became an obvious losing battle. If I were a MN republican, I'd never vote for Coleman again least of all give him a dime to spend. Excellent point Anna Molly.

The latest in Minnesota...

Because I wanna know — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:12:43 GMT

JustThinkin:
Absolutely. I would think that it's his payoff for holding up the Senate seat...just another fancy word for pay off.

The latest in Minnesota...

CT Livingston, NY — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:13:58 GMT

Couldn't that be considered...*gasp*...a bailout?
Pete - Albany, NY

Is taxpayer money being used? If not, then it's not a bailout. This stuff is easy to figure out if you have a brain.

The latest in Minnesota...

Amy B Portland, ME — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:14:29 GMT

In your own back yard, Charlotte, VA:

Kaine is chairman of the DNC, so its kind of his job to write letters like this.

The latest in Minnesota...

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:19:59 GMT

Coleman has every right to pursue all available legal recourse and if that means going to the federal courts, then so be it because he will prevail there because the Minnesota courts have gotten it all wrong...no justice no peace!
Mikey Furlong Long Island NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 11:55

Sure he has the right to all legal avenues. The rest of your statement is based on what? Information gained from the news and my guess based on your comment is faux news. Unless you are residing in the state in question and have first person knowledge of the case and who might win if it went to SCOTUS then your statement is moot!

The latest in Minnesota...

GP NW Indiana — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:21:05 GMT

So if they give him another $750,000 in about 4 months for the remainder of legal fees...do those qualify as "past debts" as well??

I guess you can fool 21% of the country some of the time.

The latest in Minnesota...

Anna Molly — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:22:03 GMT

Mikey Furlong ~ You're for legal redress for politicians, but I'm willing to bet that you're also for tort reform and were against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. And how about that detainee suit was thrown out the other day? I'm willing to bet I already know your opinion about that.

The latest in Minnesota...

Kathy — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:24:10 GMT

Norm is the poster boy for sore loosers.

The latest in Minnesota...

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:32:53 GMT

Let's see ,,,,that brings the tab for the obstructionest party,as the effort to keep the seat empty has now reached ! million,in just legal fees.See the RNC already kicked Norm 250,000$.My guess is that the RNC will pay for the investagation of the 75,000 he recived thru his wife employeer, that the FBI is looking into Norms crooked friends.Norm and Pawlenty are about as lame as they come.weasels,wet blankets,the both of them.

The latest in Minnesota...

Hunt — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:34:42 GMT

Oh, but to have had the GOP governor and the national party insist that the Bush V. Gore case go all the way through the courts. Uh, I don't recall that happening.

Conclusion: it isn't the principle, it's the politics! Principles are constant, not adjusted to benefit your side.

The latest in Minnesota...

Erin, Chesapeake VA — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:35:04 GMT

In your own back yard, Charlotte, VA:

Kaine is chairman of the DNC, so its kind of his job to write letters like this.
----------------------------------------------------
I think the point was perhaps Kaine's time might be better spend tending to the needs of his state than getting involved in this. Coleman SHOULD concede, but he certainly has the right to let the legal system play out. And trust me, Virginia has enough issues--it would be nice if those issues were the focus of Gov Kaine's time instead of DNC business.

The latest in Minnesota...

Clara Kansas City, MO — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:38:29 GMT

"...I urge you to commit to signing an election certificate for the rightful winner as soon as the Court issues a ruling in this case..." FR (above)

Apparently some people never mastered the fine art of reading:
"...I still don't understand the pressure being put on Pawlentey. The STATE LAW says that you can't certify a winner until ALL STATE APPEALS ARE CONCLUDED. Last I checked, the MN Supreme Court challenge would meet that requirement. So he is just following the law. Now, if Coleman loses and appeals to a federal court, I'd say the Dems would have reason to pressure Pawlentey. Frank "Grimey" Grimes, Springfield, USA (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 12:05 PM)

I believe this is what is known as a pre-emptive strike by Kaine. And of course he has the right, he is the DNC Chair.

The latest in Minnesota...

Anna Molly — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:38:36 GMT

This is totally off topic, but I just found this article in The New York Times ...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/21/world/europe/21ireland.html?_r=1&ref=world

and in light of this article, coupled with the fact that the Pope has now basically disavowed the 74 bishops who criticized Notre Dame for inviting Barack Obama to speak, I hope we've had ENOUGH ALREADY from the holier-than-thou folks about the abortion question.

To put it politely (and read the article to see why), look to your own house first.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From this thread ~ thanks Ron and to Frank Grimes, yes, I think it could be said of all political contributions. Unfortunately, political campaigns are a necessary evil. But it seems to me it would make a lot more sense to go back to public financing and limit what's spent. Probably more than one billion dollars (where's Dr. Evil when you need him?) was spent on the last presidential campaign. Imagine what this country's charities could have done with HALF of that.

The latest in Minnesota...

JoAnn, Moundsville, WV — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:45:18 GMT

This just makes a mockery out of the voting process.
I believe in someone getting a fair judgment call, but shouldn't the voting count for something. Kind of makes you wonder if this is what we can expect in future elections. Seems the candidates have all the court systems tied up with this nonsense.

The latest in Minnesota...

Pete - Albany, NY — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:46:47 GMT

Couldn't that be considered...*gasp*...a bailout?
Pete - Albany, NY

Is taxpayer money being used? If not, then it's not a bailout. This stuff is easy to figure out if you have a brain.
CT Livingston, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 12:13 PM)

--------------------------------

...but no where near as funny!

Is your sense of humor being used?

This stuff is easy to laugh at if you have a brain.

The latest in Minnesota...

JG, Minneapolis, Minnesota — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:55:15 GMT

As a life-long Minnesotan I can tell you that this re-count process has been very deliberative and transparent as everyone knows how close the election was and really wants to make sure this gets done right. Most people here believe that when the Minnesota Supreme Court rules that the certificate should then be issued by the governor. It is pretty clear from carefully watching the whole process that Al Franken will most likely emerge as the winner when the Superme Court has concluded their work and I think most people here will not be very pleased with our Governor if he does not sign the certificate at that time. Eight months is a long time for the state to be represented by only one senator and it will truly feel like political game playing if this continues on to a federal court!

The latest in Minnesota...

Frank "Grimey" Grimes, Springfield, USA — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:57:19 GMT

Clara...I should have clarified my comments a bit...I wasn't referring to Kaine's letter, I was referring to posters on this board over the past few weeks consistently slamming Pawlenty for not issuing a certificate and insinuating that he is just trying to draw this out. Pawlenty really can't do anything yet.

Anna...you are right...money truly is a necessary evil in campaigns. It's sad that when you read articles about upcoming elections, so many start out with a sentence like, "Candidate X is in great shape because he has $5 million more in the bank than Candidate Y".

The latest in Minnesota...

Perri, Wauwatosa WI — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:59:35 GMT

This just makes a mockery out of the voting process.
I believe in someone getting a fair judgment call, but shouldn't the voting count for something.
----------------------------------------------------
If that's the case, JoAnn, then why wasn't Coleman's lead of 700+ plus votes on Election Day not considered valid? I'm not a supporter of Coleman's nor am I a Minnesotan, but it certainly doesn't appear to be the most legitimate recount process. WSJ did a good job chronicling this process and it seemed as though there was a LOT of counting...until Franken took the lead. And then the recounting abruptly stopped.

The latest in Minnesota...

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:00:00 GMT

I wish to hell Al Gore would-have fought like this back in 2000!

The latest in Minnesota...

AuntiQ — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:01:41 GMT

Coleman has every right to pursue all available legal recourse and if that means going to the federal courts, then so be it because he will prevail there because the Minnesota courts have gotten it all wrong...no justice no peace!
Mikey Furlong Long Island NY (Sent Wednesday, May 20, 2009 11:55 AM)

Well thank goodness we have a good intelligent New York citizen like yourself to advise the Minnesota courts when they've gotten something all wrong.

"No justice no peace"? What's that mean? Are you going to run rampant through the streets and byways of LI carrying tea bags?

The latest in Minnesota...

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:02:36 GMT

If they stretch this out another 5 years and 5 months, they won't have to worry about it... unless of course the state of Minnesota can't count that vote either.

This is an embarrassment to the country. Don't really care who wins - care a lot that seven months after the election we still can't figure it out.

The latest in Minnesota...

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:08:49 GMT

Bravo,,, Clara from KC,someone took the time to check this out,and you are 100% correct.But after the supers are finished Pawlenty will have a choice,does he remain an obstructionest,and keep the base-less happy or does he reach down and see if he still has a pair.My guess is he will do as he is told,lemm-on that he is.No need to look below!

The latest in Minnesota...

Mary Rochester, MN — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:12:02 GMT

I live in Minnesota. Governor Pawlenty is losiong ground almost a quickly as that worm Coleman. Neither has put the people of Minnesota before their own out-of-state ambitions. Coleman asked Franken to concede defeat on election night, but hasn't got the decency himself to concede now, six months later.

The latest in Minnesota...

R Bates, St. Paul MN — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:36:42 GMT

I am a Franken supporter. Voted for him and contributed to his senatorial campaign as well as the legal appeals. If the Minnesota Supreme Court rules for Weasel Norm I will encourage Al to accept the decision. Don't take it to USSC.

The latest in Minnesota...

YoungerVoice — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:46:43 GMT

Coleman has Sue-em Syndrome, an illness that takes hold after lawyering up rather than accepting the reality of human encounters. Its symptoms include an addiction to expensive litigation, and draining society's resources in an endless selfish pursuit of dominance. Employees have a version of it that is characterized by perjury at the expense of the whole company. Medical patients have it at the expense of everyone who pays for insurance. Some say it is fatal to a political career. I certainly hope so. For the strain caught by legislators often escalates into a public crisis of trust.

The latest in Minnesota...

Erik, Minnesota — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:47:55 GMT

Isn't Norm Coleman the person who told Franken he should concede for the good of the state before even the mandated recount had happened? When the outcome was very much up in the air? It's the height of hypocrisy to take the alternative stand, now that the courts have rather emphatically ruled on the winner. And note that Kaine was not asking for Coleman to drop his current appeal. Having the Minnesota Supreme Court rule on this issue is appropriate (despite the fact that it is blatantly self-serving coming from Coleman, given his previous statements). But taking it to Federal Courts would not, and would merely be a transparent attempt to delay as long as possible the inevitable outcome, for purely partisan gains.

The latest in Minnesota...

Barbara, Clackams, Oregon — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:51:55 GMT

Any Democrat worth his salt will use this issue in the next two campaign periods as to why people should vote overwhelmingly for Democrats. "Worth the money to keep the seat open". "Taxation without representation". Sounds the same to me.

The latest in Minnesota...

PDF aka Petite Delicate Flower, Westlake Village, CA — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:55:30 GMT

I wonder if Norm Coleman will be paying taxes on the $750,000 or if another of his non-profit entities will just ignore the taxes. Norm needs to enter the real workforce and stop feeding at the trough of the taxpayers. Sorry for the voting public in Minn. Jesse Ventura is correct!!!

The latest in Minnesota...

Bill L — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:58:42 GMT

In my opinion If this keeps going I'm betting Little Timmie is toast. So Much for Norm in politics He will get a job with the GOP Party but his electoral bit is cooked. I'm betting this gets tagged on Little Timmie"P an he is done now also. OH i also give a dollar a day to make Norm Go away.. We B close 2 100K. We be hedin for a million at this rate THANKS NORM !!!!

The latest in Minnesota...

Jerry Newsom Co. Springs, CO — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:13:00 GMT

I bet Al Gore is really kicking himself after realizing a candidate could hold up an election outcome.... like FOREVER..... by appealing to every conceivable legal entity!!!!!

And the Publicans called Gore/Lieberman SORE LOSERS!!!!!