a question about the info posted here re: Franken leading in MN....

[mike_c]

I ask because for the last several days, whenever I read about this race on DU it seems that Franken is on the verge of winning, has the lead, etc, but that frequently contradicts information I receive from other sources, i.e. the national media. For example, the DU front page currently carries a headline stating that Franken is ahead by 101 votes and his lead is growing. On the other hand, Democracy Now! reported-- about half an hour ago locally-- that Coleman's lead had shrunk to five votes.

In either case, with the extra thousand or so absentee ballots to count, it seems clear that the momentum has shifted to Franken. It just troubles me that there are so many disparate reports floating around. The actual count is not a probabilistic number. It is absolute. Why so much variation in what's being reported?

[ThomWV]

1. Their information is dated, you can watch the count in real time if you like

http://www.startribune.com/video/?ls1=1&elr=KArksDyycyUtyycyUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

[NMDemDist2]

2. Amy was using last night's numbers. Today's count puts Al above +200

They still have to decide how to deal with the 1600 absentee ballots

They have been counting and allocating the 'challenged' ballots this week

[onehandle]

3. AP says "Franken opens first lead in Minn. Senate race." That's MSM.

The different counts were from many people's opinion.

The main count is what counts now.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081219/ap_on_el_se/minnesota_senate

[grantcart]

4. good question

Currently the MN canvassing board is ruling on "voter intent" of challenged ballots.


I believe that they are also ruling on "voter intent" of previously challenged but now withdrawn challenges. This view however has been challenged by several more intelligent posters on the "live" thread on GDP.


However as we talk the board just voted on a withdrawn challenge so I may be right on that one but I would still bet against my opinion on general principle.


The canvassing board is not ruling on green or blue file ballots.


Blue file ballots are ballots that have only the original, or in some cases only the duplicate. The board has put them aside but I think that they are going to rule on them anyway. Franken wants them counted Coleman doesn't.


Greem file ballots are far less in number than blue file ballots. They have some other reason - for example local election judges would not allow a challenge.


In addition there are absentee ballots that people are assuming are more favorable to Franken that were not counted even though there is no substantial problem with them. Coleman has succeeded in delaying their count but they will be counted.


There are also absentee ballots that seem to have a problem but the problem could be minor - signature doesn't seem to match the signature on record or a change of address on the voters part.


If you understand all of that and can figure out what the final count is going to be please let us know because I certainly have no clue whatsoever.


Those that are following it including the Star Tribune are saying that it appears that Franken will have about 100 vote lead when they get to counting the improperly rejected absentee votes.


Bottom line is that the Franken team seems positive and the Coleman team looks like the family of 12 that showed up to the potluck with nothing to bring.

[Swamp Rat]

5. Watch George Galloway rip Norm Coleman into tiny pieces:

:)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=251717&mesg_id=251717

[opihimoimoi]

6. 250+ Lead....Norm's head is EXPLODING into microscopic ditritus

[Swamp Rat]

7. hee hee!

:rofl:

[mike_c]

8. thanks to all who answered!

:thumbsup: