Even after the votes have been tallied and a recount has been ordered, candidates in Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race continue their acrimony as if it were the last week of the election.
Clearly the stakes are high. Democrats, who hold the majority in the U.S. Senate, are looking for that magic 60-margin filibuster-proof majority. Republicans are trying to stop that from happening at all costs.
When charges of money laundering were alleged against Sen. Norm Coleman’s friend and supporter in a Texas lawsuit that came to light just before voting day, the accusations hit cyberspace. Coleman immediately accused his opponent Al Franken of drumming up the controversy and leaking it to the press. Franken denied all involvement.
So far, the evidence appears in Franken’s favor and Coleman has not since repeated the charge. But that doesn’t mean Franken has been an altar boy. He took up news of the lawsuit as an opportunity to criticize Coleman further, mostly focusing on character issues rather than policy issues.
All of this now occurs in the context of a required recount of the election that currently shows Coleman winning by 200-plus votes. Coleman’s camp has reloaded and taken aim at Democratic Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, accusing him of partisanship and suggesting at least that he should not be involved in the recount as part of the state canvassing board. Ritchie, as secretary of state, will be on the board to determine the fate of contested votes. But he also appointed two judges appointed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and two other judges whose political leanings are not really clear cut.
Franken spokesman Andy Barr didn’t miss an opportunity to criticize Coleman’s questioning of the appointments as well. Coleman has plans to send lawyers and observers to nearly every one of the 70-plus recount sites in Minnesota.
Voters and average citizens probably thought the political fighting and acrimony should have ended Nov. 4. Unfortunately, there appears to be a few more weeks or months of political nastiness they will have to endure.
Editorials
Our View: Acrimony over Senate race grows
- Editorials
-
-
Our View: Solutions, not platitudes
It’s campaign season and there are a few givens: some candidates will try to win voters with platitudes and avoid talking of solutions to our fiscal problems that unfortunately are very complex and not amenable to sound bites.
-
Our View: Let’s observe 9/11 respectfully
A full nine years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, America still seems conflicted on how to remember.
-
Our View: Pawlenty does state a disservice
Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s refusal to allow the state to accept hundreds of millions of dollars in federal health care funding will provide an ignominious legacy for the governor.
-
Our View: Today we honor labor
Why it matters
Today, more than ever, we should recognize that American workers fuel our economy. -
Our View: John Brady should resign as mayor
Why it matters
Mayor John Brady and the city will be hindered by the drunken driving narrative hanging over him. -
Our View: East's NASA connection a real plum
-
Our View: Horner offers most complete budget view
Why it matters
Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner so far has the most answers for voters on the budget deficit. -
Our View: Local economy still offers positives
Why it matters
Several projects are underway in Mankato and distribution
center still on horizon. -
Our View: Beware of overreach
Whenever there is a change of leadership in America, there exists the danger of overreach.
-
Our View: Night to unite is just right
Tonight’s Night To Unite in Mankato takes on new importance.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
