2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

St. Paul Saints Will "Re"Count Coleman-Franken Race

St. Paul Saints Will "Re"Count Coleman-Franken Race

ST. PAUL, MN (November 20, 2008) – 571 votes…477…377…215…215 votes ha ha haaa.  With the heated election not quite over in Minnesota the St. Paul Saints have their response to the Norm Coleman/Al Franken race for U.S. Senate.  You may know Sesame Street’s Count von Count; now the Saints are proud to introduce Count von “Re”Count.

Saints fans will have the opportunity to decide for themselves with a doll that depicts the two men and commemorates this historic election.  The figurine will consist of one head with Coleman’s face on one side and Franken’s on the other.  The body of the doll features that of the famous Sesame Street Count (Count von Count) with a suit, bow tie and cape.  The head will spin reminding fans of the dizzying experience that has been this state’s U.S. Senate race.

“The Saints have really outdone themselves with this one,” said Independent Senate candidate Dean Barkley.  “I am glad, however, they decided not to make this a talking doll.  Norm-Al will look great on someone’s shelf—silently.”

The first 2,500 fans that enter the gates on Saturday, May 23 are scheduled to receive a “Re”Count, but that number may change daily leading up to the event.  For example, the Saints may only have 2,400 dolls to give away if an employee accidentally leaves a box of the dolls sitting in their vehicle overnight.

There will be a coloring competition where the winner will be the person who can correctly color inside of an oval shaped object.  Following the third inning of their game against the Sioux Falls Canaries, no matter the score, the Saints will claim victory, “a victory for all Minnesotans.”

While fans choose whether to spin the doll to the side of Coleman or Franken, lawyers will be on hand to help determine their intent and challenges may be submitted to the Saints Fan Services Booth in written or oral form.  All fans will participate in various counting exercises during the course of the game, including the popular exercise: “What’s the difference between 24 and 124?”

Coleman and Franken are currently deadlocked with 42% of the vote while Barkley finished with 15.2% after 2.9 million votes were cast.

Count von Count could not be reached in his castle for comment nor could his most recent girlfriend, Countess von Backwards.  It is not known if either cast a vote in the November 4 election.  The Count is 1,832,652 years old. 

The final result of the May 23 Saints game on The “Re”Count night will not be official until sometime in mid-June.

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie Convenes Historic State Canvassing Board

SECRETARY OF STATE MARK RITCHIE CONVENES HISTORIC STATE CANVASSING BOARD
-Recounts triggered in U.S. Senate, state senate, and two state house races beginning Nov. 19

SAINT PAUL, Minn.-Nov. 18, 2008―Secretary of State Mark Ritchie today convened a historic state canvassing board that authorized automatic recounts in state house seats 12B and 16A, state senate seat 16, as well as the U.S. Senate. Minnesota law triggers automatic recounts when the vote margin between the top two candidates in federal, state, or judicial races is less than one-half of one percent in a general election. The board reviewed and adopted election results with the exception of those requiring automatic recounts. The board adopted a recount plan to be implemented Nov. 19-the start of the statewide U.S. Senate recount.

"Tomorrow, the race begins at zero and election officials from across the state will manually recount nearly 3 million ballots," Ritchie said. "Only when this recount is completed in its entirety will we know who is elected in these four races."

By Minnesota law, the state canvassing board includes two Minnesota Supreme Court Justices, two district court judges, and is chaired by the Secretary of State. Members serving in this canvass board are Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric J. Magnuson and Justice G. Barry Anderson, Chief Judge Kathleen R. Gearin and Assistant Chief Judge Edward J. Cleary from the Second Judicial District.

"I thank the members of the state canvassing board for their service to Minnesota," Ritchie said. "Minnesota can be proud of those represented here today and know that each member is deeply committed to upholding Minnesota's tradition of free and fair elections."

The state canvassing board formally announced that the statewide recount of the U.S. Senate race will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in multiple locations throughout the state. The board also agreed to reconvene next week to consider a proposal to review improperly rejected absentee ballots. The board has received written and oral testimony from representatives of the Coleman and Franken campaigns on this issue.

The office has set a goal of completing the recounting by Dec. 5 so the state canvassing board may begin the process of reviewing all challenged ballots on Dec. 16.

Information regarding all recounts and a complete listing of recount sites is available online at www.sos.state.mn.us.

Coleman Re-Election Affirmed In 2008 Senate Race

Coleman Re-Election Affirmed In 2008 Senate Race

St. Paul - Republican Party of Minnesota Chair Ron Carey today issued the following statement at the conclusion of the Statewide Canvassing Board meeting.

“Sen. Coleman’s victory was again affirmed today with a 215 vote lead reported in the Statewide Canvassing Board meeting.  This is the third time the election results reporting process has affirmed Sen. Coleman’s victory, including the election night results, the county canvasses and now the Statewide Canvassing Board meeting.  The recount that begins tomorrow will show Sen. Coleman was selected by Minnesotans to serve as our Senior Senator. We expect a full and fair recount of all the legally cast votes, and we look forward to sending Senator Coleman back to the Senate at the end of this process.”

Norm Coleman Confirmed In 2008 United States Senate Campaign

COLEMAN RE-ELECTION CONFIRMED IN 2008 SENATE RACE
Canvassing Board Rejects Unprecedented Efforts to stop recount

ST. PAUL – United States Senator Norm Coleman was confirmed as the winner in the 2008 United States Senate Campaign.  Coleman for Senate Campaign Manager, Cullen Sheehan, made the following statement after the certification was announced:

“Today, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board officially recognized the results of the 2008 United States Senate election and prevented the Franken Campaign’s efforts to stop the recount.   And, Senator Coleman has, for the third time, been named the winner of the 2008 election.  We are grateful to the hundreds of election officials throughout the state who are committed to the execution of a fair and legal election.  We appreciate the continued direction by the Secretary of State of a recount that is based on the law and as such counts only those votes that were legally cast and counted on Election Day.  We look forward to the beginning of tomorrow’s recount, and to what we believe to be the ultimate conclusion of the final chapter of this year’s election – the re-election of Senator Norm Coleman.”

Minnesotans Cast Record Number of Ballots In Tuesday's Election

MINNESOTANS CAST RECORD NUMBER OF BALLOTS; RECOUNT TRIGGERED IN U.S. SENATE RACE

SAINT PAUL, Minn.― November 5, 2008―Minnesota Secretary of State Ritchie announced today Minnesotans cast a record number of ballots in yesterday's election. Of the over 3.7 million eligible voters, 2.9 million cast ballots whether at the polls or by absentee ballot. Statewide voter turnout is estimated to be 77.9 percent. Vote results remain unofficial until certified by the State Canvassing Board.

In Minnesota's U.S. Senate race, a slim margin of 475 votes* favors Republican candidate and incumbent Senator Norm Coleman over Democratic challenger Al Franken. According to Minnesota state law, a recount is automatically triggered in races where the margin is less than one-half of one percent.

In Minnesota, all voters cast paper ballots which are counted by optical scanners. In a recount, all ballots are counted manually.

Of the four remaining undecided U.S. Senate races in the nation - Alaska, Georgia, Oregon and Minnesota - the Minnesota race has the slimmest margin.

The State Canvassing Board, as specified by state law, will meet on Nov. 18 to certify the election results. A recount cannot begin until after the board meets. The board will consist of Secretary of State Ritchie, two Minnesota Supreme Court justices, and two Minnesota district court judges to be determined. After the board meets, a location for the legislative recounts will be chosen and the ballots should be recounted within several days.

Prior to the election, the Office of Secretary of State anticipated the possibility of a statewide recount and developed a contingency plan. The Office will partner with at least 69 counties and multiple cities to complete the recount in a timely manner.

"Minnesotans are anxious to know who will represent them, but they also want to be sure that all ballots are properly counted," concluded Ritchie. "With the help of our county partners and the cooperation of the candidates, it is our hope that the recount can be completed a quickly as possible with complete accuracy and transparency."

*These are unofficial results and subject to change as county and city election officials proof election results.

Minnesota Is Well-prepared For Record Voter Turnout On Election Day

Minnesota is well-prepared for record voter turnout on Election Day

SAINT PAUL, Minn.―Oct. 31, 2008―Secretary of State Ritchie today said Minnesota is well-prepared for record voter turnout on Election Day. He attributes this readiness to the removal of a number of unnecessary barriers to voting by his office and careful preparations made by county and local election officials, including the hiring and training of over 30,000 election judges. In addition, high voter interest has been fueled in part by highly visible candidates who inspire the electorate.

"For two years I have traveled the state speaking to many Minnesotans about the importance of participating in democracy," Ritchie said. "Last summer, our office set an ambitious goal of 80 percent turnout of eligible voters for this year's election in Minnesota. We have worked hard to reach this goal and to keep Minnesota number one in the nation in voter turnout."

The last time Minnesota achieved 80 percent turnout was 1956 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower defeated challenger Adlai Stevenson. To reach our "80 in 08" goal, 2.99 million Minnesotans must cast ballots in this election.

This has already been an election year for the record books. Due to the tremendous voter registration efforts by political parties, civic organizations, religious groups and others, we have reached an all-time high. As of today, there are 3,199,307 registered voters. The total number of voter registrations thus far in 2008 is 337,792, with over a third being new registrations and the rest were address or name changes. Over half of the new registrations were young adults. As of today, there are 597,758 registered voters ages 18-29.

In addition to voters who have pre-registered, election officials are expecting hundreds of thousands of voters to register at the polls on Election Day. In 2004, 581,904 Minnesotans used Election Day Registration, of those 235,851 were new registrations.

The Office of the Secretary of State has been busy all year working to reach this voter turnout goal, partnering with county election officials and others to conduct voter outreach and education activities. In addition, this office provides a free, easy-to-use Web site that helps voters find out where they vote, information about candidates who will be on the ballot, and general information about what to expect on Election Day. With our Election Day Registration system, voters who have not pre-registered can do so at the polling place on Nov. 4.

"Minnesota has long been recognized as the national leader in both turnout and election administration." said Ritchie. "Thanks to the hard work of tens of thousands of volunteers and local officials, all Minnesotan's will be able to vote with ease and security on Nov. 4."

Voters with any question can visit the secretary of state's Web site at: www.sos.state.mn.us.

ADDITIONAL STATISTICS:

ELIGIBLE VOTERS

2008: 3,741,514

To achieve 80% turnout: 2,993,211

VOTER REGISTRATION

2008:

Total number of registered voters: 3,199,307

Total registrations processed this year: 337,792

New registrations: 138,154

2004:

Total new registrations before Election Day: 160,135

ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION

2004:

Total Election Day Registrations: 581,904

Total New Election Day Registrations: 235,851

YOUNG VOTERS

Total number of 18-29 year olds registered: 597,758

New this year: 89,897

2004:

New in 2004: 88,58

Howard Dean To Hold Get Out The Vote Rally for Change For Obama In Minnesota

Howard Dean to Get Out the Vote for Obama and Franken in Minnesota
Democratic National Committee chair will hold rallies in St. Cloud, Minneapolis

ST. PAUL – With just three days before Election Day, and Get Out The Vote efforts in full swing, DNC Chair Howard Dean will make stops in St. Cloud and Minneapolis to rally supporters to Get Out The Vote on November 4th.

Governor Dean will campaign for Barack Obama, Al Franken, Elwyn Tinklenberg and other DFL candidates. He’ll appear alongside Tinklenberg, state Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, Thomasin Frankin, Mayor RT Rybak, and Rep. Keith Ellison.

“Minnesotans are responding to Senator Obama’s steady leadership in this time of economic crisis and it’s now time to make sure we get out the vote,” Obama’s Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett said. “It will take an unprecedented effort by regular Minnesotans volunteering in their communities to bring the change we need. Governor Dean will help make that case and urge Minnesotans sign up to help us get out the vote on November 4th.”

Saturday, November 1:

ST CLOUD: Get Out The Vote Rally for Change with Gov. Howard Dean

Campaign For Change Office
904 West St. Germain Street
St. Cloud, MN 

5PM

FEATURING: El Tinklenberg, Minnesota Senator Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Thomasin Frankin

MINNEAPOLIS: Get Out The Vote Concert for Change With Howard Dean, Martin Zellar, White Light Riot, and the Radiators

Trocaderos Nightclub & Restaurant
107 3rd Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN

8PM

FEATURING: Mayor RT Rybak, Thomasin Frankin, and Rep. Keith Ellison

Minnesota Elections: Frequently Asked Questions

ONLINE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MINNESOTA ELECTIONS
-Feature is part of one-stop Web site resource for voters

SAINT PAUL, Minn.-Oct 28, 2008-Secretary of State Mark Ritchie today introduced a "Minnesota Elections: Frequently Asked Questions" link posted on his office's Web site homepage. The feature is part of the office's continuing efforts to educate voters and make the secretary of state Web site a one-stop online voter resource.

"Minnesotans will have the opportunity next week to participate in what could be one of the largest elections in a half-century," explained Ritchie. "It is important that all voters have access to election information. This webpage addresses some of the most commonly fielded questions by my office," Ritchie said. "I hope Minnesotans will find it to be a valuable resource."

The secretary of state homepage also contains information on Election Day voter registration, absentee voting, candidate information, instructional election videos, and offers voters a "Polling Place Finder" to determine their polling location and receive a listing of candidates appearing on their ballot. Voters can access the Web site at: www.sos.state.mn.us. 

For additional assistance, voters may contact their county election official or the Office of Secretary of State, Elections Division at: 651-215-1440 or 1-877-600-8683.

Hillary Clinton And Bill Clinton To Crisscross Country In Support Of Obama-Biden In Fnal Stretch

CLINTONS TO CRISSCROSS COUNTRY IN FINAL STRETCH

Senator Clinton and President Clinton to Campaign for Obama-Biden and Other Democrats in Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia

On Wednesday, October 29, Senator Hillary Clinton will campaign for Democrats throughout New York.

In the morning, Senator Clinton will endorse the re-election of Congressman Mike Arcuri in Utica, NY.

Later in the morning, she will attend an Erie County Democrats Rally with local Democrats in Buffalo, NY.

In the afternoon, Senator Clinton will participate in a GOTV Rally for Eric Massa, Dan Maffei Alice Kryzan and local Democrats in Rochester, NY.

Tomorrow evening, Senator Clinton will attend the Monroe County Democrats Dinner in Rochester NY.

In the coming week, Senator Clinton will travel to Ohio, Florida, and Virginia on behalf of the Obama-Biden ticket. She will also be making stops in Kentucky for Senate candidate Bruce Lunsford.

President Bill Clinton will also be crisscrossing the country for Obama-Biden. On Wednesday, President Clinton will make stops in Pennsylvania and Florida, attending a joint rally with Senator Obama in Orlando.

On Thursday, President Clinton will attend events in Youngstown, OH, Toledo, OH before traveling to Minnesota on behalf of Senate candidate Al Franken. On Saturday, President Clinton will attend events in West Virginia and New Jersey before traveling to New Hampshire on Sunday to campaign for Obama-Biden and Senate candidate Governor Jeanne Shaheen.

Norm Coleman And Tim Pawlenty Hope Express Tour - Panino's