Despite the fact that the state Supreme Court trial is set to begin Monday, some U.S. senators already have their minds made up about who the winner is. Through newly found ballots, requests from one side and appeals from the other, our system for the recount has worked well so far. Senators and Minnesotans should let the system finish its job legitimately. Last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters that the Senate was going to try to seat Al Franken while Republican Norm ColemanâÄôs lawsuit was still being sorted out. This is not an issue for the U.S. Senate to decide. Under the guidance of Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, Minnesota has done an excellent job in handling the recount thus far and has given no reason for an outside body to intervene. Moreover, if the Senate did seat Franken âÄî even if only on a provisional basis âÄî it would undermine our stateâÄôs judicial system and its ability to handle such an issue in the future. The trial will begin Monday and will lead to a legitimate decision in the race. Coleman faces the challenge of producing proof of inconsistencies in the way votes may have been tallied, which if proven could give more votes to either side. Franken has a current lead of 225 votes. But the trial might last weeks. Throughout the recount, both candidates along with judges have sided and ditched the argument that every vote should count. But that principle is not a folly one. For the Senate to step in and decide otherwise would undercut our democratic system. Let the system to its job.
Every vote counts
Minnesota’s Senate race is for its citizens to decide — not the U.S. Senate.
Published January 25, 2009