veni markovski's Flickr Photostream/Creative Commons

When it was learned on Election Night last November that the Minnesota Senate race was going to a recount, most predicted a long wait to find out who won. But few thought the contest between incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken would take this long to find resolution in the Minnesota court system.

The Minnesota Senate voting took place on November 2, 2008, or 130 days ago.  Since then the largest stimulus package in American history has been passed and signed into law, and Minnesota only had one vote in the Senate on it.  President Obama’s nominees have mostly been confirmed in the US Senate, and Minnesota only had one vote.  Some of the most important issues facing the future of this country including health care, energy, education and global warming are on deck to be considered by Congress and it is still unclear when Minnesota will have two Senators to vote.

This Minnesota recount and its subsequent court challenges have now taken over three months longer than the grueling Florida recount of 2000.  Closing arguments were heard on the case today with a ruling expected in the case soon.  However appeals are still an option which could extend the case indefinitely should the courts allow it.  Regardless of who wins, Franken or Coleman, Minnesota needs to move on this outrageously long procedure as soon as possible and get itself full representation in the US Senate.  You can takepart in supporting campaign finance reform in the United States by checking out Fair Elections.

LINKS:

Daily Kos: MN-Sen Events v. 100.0 Milestones & a Revival

USA Today: Coleman, Franken head to closing arguments

Fox News: Minnesota Senate Election Case Concludes