Thumbs Down, Tom Emmer

I don't believe that Norm Coleman endeared himself to any but the most die-hard belligerents on the right with the extent to which he dragged out the contested decisions that unanimously over and over came out in favor of Senator Al Franken.

Effectively, Coleman made it clear that his own pursuit of the power of the office of Senator for Minnesota was more important than Minnesota's preference in voting - albeit a narrow one - AND more important than the importance of Minnesota having any second senatorial representation.  It is the same obstructive mind set that would rather shut down government than engage in genuine political compromise.

Then as now, Coleman claimed errors; his supporters continue to claim fraud, despite it being made as painfully clear as clear can be that there was no evidence of fraud, that you need to demonstrate fact, not simply a fictional narrative wishing it were so.  This despite the Supreme Court of Minnesota specifically stating that there was no evidence of fraud.  Coleman had nothing - NOTHING - to sustain such a claim.

And that is because there is no fraud to claim, there is no evidence because fraud is not a systemic problem; fraud has not 'stolen' any elections from a lawfully elected voter.  The real issue is that the republicans are consistently simply incredibly poor, and not very honorable losers.


Immediately after the election, Emmer brought in high powered attorneys to wage another court battle, despite having no hope in hell of succeeding in overcoming the gap of some 8,755 votes by which Dayton leads.  If last time is any indication, and if the leads by which the other executive offices of the state of Minnesota were won by Democrats this election is any sign, then Dayton will not only hold the substantial lead, he may even gain votes.  Coleman steadily lost ground in the recount process; I predict that the preponderance of any minute number of errors will be the same.  This is despite the bad mouthing by people like Big Tony Sutton claiming that a congressional seat win in District 8, or changes in the Minnesota House and Senate must mean that Emmer is our new governor - an illogical conclusion. 

The gap between Cravaack and Oberstar was small enough that I wish Representative Oberstar had not been quite so willing to concede that race, unchallenged.

It is a shame that the Republicans (and their subordinate tea party splinter group of supporters) didn't learn last time around that while Minnesota appreciates the need to verify and confirm close races, they don't like poor losers.  We traditionally expect a level of graciousness and civility, dignity and integrity, in our political engagements.

As of the KSTP television channel 5 mid-day news on Tuesday, November 23rd 2010 in Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota, Mark Dayton has gained another 15 ballots in his favor, widening the gap to 8,770 votes by which Mark Dayton is ahead of Tom Emmer. 

I will not be blogging any details of my experience as a recount observer beginning on Monday.  Saturday afternoon I took the two hour training in preparation to do so; part of that training was to be confidential about the process as it takes place - and I will respect that confidentiality.  I can tell you that part of the recount is confirming that the number of signatures in the poll book matches the number of ballots; it is the first thing that is done as part of the recount process.  This recount differs in that statewide it is being done beginning at the same time.  These law suits are a stalling tactic - in my opinion - in an attempt to delay Mark Dayton being sworn in as governor.  I don't see this challenge as a good faith effort, although I would love nothing better than to be shown that was wrong.  There doesn't seem to be a valid basis to expect that the results will change in Mr. Emmer's favor, just like there doesn't appear to be the instances of fraud that are being claimed.

But let the facts make the determination, not ideology.