Norm Coleman

Can Norm Coleman Still Have A Political Future?

Eric Kleefeld | July 28, 2009, 4:51PM

So with former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) having announced that he's waiting until Spring 2010 to decide whether he'll run for Governor of Minnesota, it's worth asking the question: Does Norm still have a political future.

I spoke with Prof. Larry Jacobs of the University of Minnesota, and he said that Coleman's political stock has certainly fallen by a significant margin as a result of his loss to Democratic challenger Al Franken in the heavily-litigated 2008 Senate race. But there could still be a chance to come back -- and under Minnesota's peculiar system of nominating candidates, Norm might just be taking the best road available.

Minnesota political parties traditionally don't hold real primaries, but instead go through a system of precinct caucuses, county conventions and a state convention. If a candidate can get a super-majority of delegates at the state convention, the party then officially endorses that candidate and the opponents are expected by custom to drop out. The September primary is still officially held, but would be a mere formality.

"It's hard to get the majority unless you're a clear frontrunner," said Jacbos. "I think it's a fairly shrewd move, with everything going on in his personal life, particularly his debt and his exhaustion."

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Supreme Court

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 28, 2009, 9:02AM

Judiciary Committee To Vote On Sotomayor
The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote today on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, and is expected to easily advance her to the full Senate. At the rate things are going in both the committee and the overall Senate, most Republicans will probably vote against her, but she should win by a comfortable margin thanks to Democrats and a few GOP Senators.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will hold a 1:30 p.m. ET tele-town hall meeting on health care reform, hosted by the AARP. At 4 p.m. ET, he and Vice President Biden will meet with the chairs of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. At 4:15 p.m. ET, Obama and Biden will greet the expanded delegations of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

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Al Franken

Poll: Franken's Favorable Rating Improves In Wake Of Legal Battle

Eric Kleefeld | July 21, 2009, 1:12PM

A new Rasmussen poll has some fairly decent news for Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), who has of course just emerged from a recount and a six-month long legal battle to take his new political office, with his favorable ratings improving from past lows.

The poll finds Franken's favorable rating at 49%, with 49% disapproval. While that would be considered lukewarm for most politicians, consider the fact that Franken and former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) went though a particularly brutal campaign that saw each of them get only 42% of the vote, and both had low favorables and high unfavorables as recently as May.

Interestingly, Coleman is also at 49%-49%, as he reportedly contemplates a run for governor. It's probably a safe bet that the two sets of people who like Franken or like Coleman don't overlap very much.

The poll also finds that 60% of Minnesotans think he can still be an effective Senator, despite the late start.

Norm Coleman

Poll: Coleman's Numbers In Minnesota Are Lousy, Damaged By Recount Fight

Eric Kleefeld | July 9, 2009, 11:17AM

So now that former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) finally conceded the much-litigated 2008 Senate race to Democrat Al Franken, and Franken was sworn into office six months into the term, does Coleman have a political future as he reportedly eyes a run for Governor in 2010? A new survey of Minnesota by Public Policy Polling (D) suggests that Coleman has still got a long way to go if he wants to come back.

The numbers: Coleman's favorable rating is only 38%, with 52% viewing him unfavorably. Coleman was also tested in potential general elections against former one-term U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton, state House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. Dayton edges Coleman out 41%-39%, Rybak leads 43%-37%, and Coleman leads Kelliher 42%-34%, with a ±2.5% margin of error.

This question is also pretty rough: "Did the way Norm Coleman handled the recount in his Senate race make you more or less likely to support him in a future campaign for Governor or some other office?" The numbers: More likely 26%, less likely 54%, and no difference 20%.

From the pollster's analysis: "You have to wonder how much more goodwill he would have been able to earn with voters in the state if he had decided to take the high road and concede six months ago."

Al Franken

Pawlenty: "It's Time To Move On" From Senate Race -- And From Michael Jackson, Too

Eric Kleefeld | July 3, 2009, 1:00PM

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) gave what he perhaps hopes can be a final comment on the 2008 Minnesota Senate race: That he's glad it's over, and let's stop talking about it.

"I think we're all relieved the Senate race is over," Pawlenty said on his weekly radio show. "There's been some frustration over how long it took."

Pawlenty, of course, did add that "I wish it had come out the other way," but he respects the process.

Interestingly, as the Star Tribune points out, Pawlenty declared that it was "time to move on" -- the exact same turn of phrase he used to describe the media coverage of Michael Jackson.

MN-GOV

Potential Coleman GOP Rival: I Love Norm, "But He Lost To Al Franken, For Goodness' Sake"

Eric Kleefeld | July 2, 2009, 11:51AM

I just got off the phone with Minnesota Republican state Rep. Marty Seifert, who recently stepped down from his position as state House Minority Leader to run for Governor, about a very important topic: What might happen if former Sen. Norm Coleman runs for the GOP nomination, too. And Seifert gave a sneak preview of what lines of attack Coleman will face from his intra-party rivals if he makes the race, as he's reportedly looking at.

Seifert struck a careful balance between praising Coleman, but also making clear that he himself won't step aside. "Well certainly, his name ID and the ability to raise money is gonna be there, but we're Republicans and we believe in the marketplace and choices," said Seifert. "So I'd say the more people in the race the better. I believe in a multiplicity of choices -- it's not the Politburo, it's the Republican Party."

As for what lines of argument Seifert might take with state Republican caucus-goers, to show that he's the better candidate: "I think my appeal is that I'm electable and that -- you know, the bottom line is, I love Norm as a person and as a public servant, but he lost to Al Franken, for goodness' sake."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 2, 2009, 9:00AM

Poll: Obama's Disapproval Numbers Rising, But Approval Still Strong
A new Quinnipiac poll finds that President Obama's approval rating remains stable at 57%, but his disapproval rating has shot up from 30% a month ago to 37% now, as more undecided voters shift into the disapproval category. From the pollster's analysis: "He still has a ways to go before his coalition becomes politically unstable, but there are some groups and issues - especially the economy - where he needs to make sure this trend does not continue."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will have a closed meeting with business leaders to discuss innovation and job creation, at 1:45 p.m. ET. At 2:20 p.m. ET, he will deliver public remarks about innovation and jobs. At 4:30 p.m. ET, he will depart from Fort McNair en route to Camp David.

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Al Franken

Franken's New Capitol Hill Office Seals Final Victory Over Coleman

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 2:37PM

Now that he has won his seat in the United States Senate and will be sworn in next week, Sen.-elect Al Franken (D-MN) has officially been assigned office space on Capitol Hill -- with some very special significance to it.

A Senate staffer has sent TPM this photo of Franken's new office, complete with his name on the plaque outside the door:

It just so happens that Franken's new office in the Hart Senate Office Building, Suite 320, previously belonged to none other than former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), who Franken narrowly defeated in this long and drawn out race.

Presumably the office was being kept vacant on the off-chance that Coleman might have won his lawsuit against the election results, and then he would have been able to return to it. In the end, somebody else from Minnesota will be moving in.

Al Franken

Franken vs. Coleman: Our Top 10 Moments

Rachel Slajda | June 30, 2009, 6:12PM

It's been a strange eight months following the Minnesota elections. Here are 10 of our very favorite moments (post election), care of TPMDC reporter (and Franken-Coleman authority) Eric Kleefeld:

Nov. 5: Franken Says Race "Too Close to Call"
The day after the election, Franken releases a statement vowing that the race is not over. He doesn't know the half of it...

Jan. 6: Coleman Files Lawsuit Contesting Results
Coleman's lawsuit is filed right after the recount is completed, and is filled with contradictions and flimsy legal arguments. Basically, Coleman and his lawyers say the entire election was tainted, and he deserves to win. In Eric's words, his strategy is "overall throw[ing] everything against the wall to see what sticks."

Jan. 29, Feb. 4: Coleman Tries To Get Ballots Counted Despite Forgery
In so many cases we lose count, Coleman's lawyers try to get ballots OK'd despite the fact that the signatures on the ballot applications were forged. One such argument led to this memorable exchange with lead Coleman attorney Joe Friedberg:

Friedberg: In point of fact, even though I did something I wasn't supposed to do with the application, my ballot should still count because my signature is genuine.

Deputy Secretary of State Jim Gelbmann: Not according to the procedures we use to determine whether the signature is genuine.

Friedberg: I don't care about your procedures.

(Franken lawyer calls an objection, is sustained.)

Friedberg: OK, I do care...

Feb. 27: Franken Team Catches Coleman Hiding a Witness
The courtroom devolves into chaos when Franken's lawyers catch Coleman's team havinghidden a witness, a Republican poll worker from Minneapolis, during the discovery phase of the trial. This came after they'd been caught having withheld notes that were made by this same poll worker. Franken then moved to have Coleman's claims of double-counted ballots dropped. The witness's testimony was ultimately kept in the record, but the damage to Team Coleman's credibility was clear.

March 30: Cornyn Says Election Could Take "Years" To Resolve
NRSC John Cornyn promises resistance to any attempt to seat Franken, saying that the litigation could take "years" to sort out. Nice try, John.

April 13: Franken Declares Victory, Quotes Paul Wellstone
After the election contest court rules in Franken's favor, he holds a press conference outside his home, quoting Paul Wellstone, the Minnesota senator and close friend of Franken's who died in 2002. "It's like what Paul Wellstone always said: Politics isn't about winning, it's about improving people's lives." Wellstone's death clearly had a big personal effect on Franken, spurring him to get seriously involved in politics, which ultimately led to this entire hullabaloo.

April, May: Polls Show Minnesotans Want Coleman to Concede
Three polls show that a majority of Minnesota voters -- from 54%, 63% and 70% -- want Coleman to step back and let Franken take the Senate seat.

May 4: Franken: "Why Am I Grumpy? Oh, I Know Why"
An annoyed Franken describes his strange transition process (one in which he can't pay any of his staffers) and admits that, yes, sometimes we all get a little cranky.

June 30: Coleman Concedes. It's Over.
After the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously rules that Franken legitimately won the election, Coleman holds a (rather classy) press conference in which he finally concedes the race. Minnesota (and TPM HQ) breathes a sigh of relief.

June 30: Franken Accepts Victory
A jubilant Franken holds a press conference to accept victory and thank Coleman, saying "I'm so excited to finally be able to get to work for the people of Minnesota."

Finally indeed, Senator-elect Franken.

Al Franken

People For The American Way: "Sen. Franken's Victory"

Rachel Slajda | June 30, 2009, 3:00PM

Progressive group People for the American Way released this statement from their president, Michael B. Keegan:

It's taken quite a while, but Senator Franken's victory is now official. That's good news for Minnesotans and for all of us. Governor Pawlenty has said he would certify the election results, and he should do so immediately.

Senator Franken's victory should finally put to rest GOP threats to filibuster President Obama's agenda. With any luck, Senate Republicans will take this opportunity to stop obstructing the important work that needs to get done for the country and actually start helping to get it done.

Al Franken

White House "Pleased" With Ruling for Franken

Rachel Slajda | June 30, 2009, 2:37PM

Politico reports:

And at the White House, press secretary Robert Gibbs told POLITICO they were "pleased" with the result.

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Topics: Al Franken, MN-SEN, Norm Coleman

AFL-CIO

AFL-CIO: Franken Crucial For EFCA Passage

Brian Beutler | June 30, 2009, 2:32PM

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney is out with a statement on the Supreme Court's verdict in favor of Al Franken. "[I]t is essential that Minnesotans have both their Senators to represent them," Sweeney said, "and we urge Governor Pawlenty to immediately sign the election certificate so Franken can get to work."

"The seating of Senator Franken is also a crucial step towards passing the Employee Free Choice Act," Sweeney added. "We urge the Senate to move forward swiftly on this crucial piece of legislation as well as health care reform, financial re-regulation and all the crucial issues facing working families."

You can read the entire statement below the fold.

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Al Franken

Steele: 'Hell No, Coleman Won't Concede To Franken'

Brian Beutler | May 11, 2009, 5:16PM

I know what you're all thinking. You're thinking that if the Minnesota Supreme Court next month determines that Al Franken should be seated, the national Republican Party will graciously accept their decision, and Norm Colemen will offer up a kind and thoughtful concession speech.

"[N]o, hell no. Whatever the outcome, it's going to get bumped to the next level," said RNC chairman Michael Steele.

So you were all wrong. "This does not end until there's a final ruling that speaks to whether or not those votes that have not been counted should be counted, Steele added. "And Norm Coleman will not, will not jump out of this race before that."

Somewhat implicit in that last sentence is the assumption that Coleman will ultimately lose. And implicit in that implication is the idea that the Republicans are doing this to keep another Democrat out of the Senate for as long as possible, and depriving Minnesotans of dual representation in the process.

Assuming the Minnesota Supreme Court sides with Franken, the question of whether to seat him, even if provisionally, will fall to Gov. Tim Pawlenty--a presidential hopeful who, as we've noted before, will face tons of pressure from his party not to certify the victory at all. If this is any indication, the GOP is already turning up the heat.

Arlen Specter

Specter To Reid: I Forgot What Team I Was On

Brian Beutler | May 6, 2009, 5:24PM

Earlier this afternoon, Wolf Blitzer asked Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid about Sen. Arlen Specter's defection, and all the various complications it's caused for the Democratic party. One of those complications surfaced yesterday when the New York Times reported (and then re-confirmed) that Specter said he still hopes Republican Norm Coleman prevails in the courts over Al Franken--the winner of the Minnesota Senate race--and retains his seat.

Specter walked back his statement after Reid confronted him about it, but the interaction seemingly left Reid speechless. Watch:

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