Coleman Claims 150 Ballots Were Double-Counted

The Minnesota Senate recount is moving at a one-step-forward, two-steps-back pace, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports, with Republican Norm Coleman’s campaign saying 150 ballots were double-counted, and that the total tally needs to be adjusted by the Canvassing Board. The board, which is in the process of evaluating disputed ballots, says it doesn’t necessarily have the authority to judge Coleman’s claim.

“We have a very narrow function here,” says one board member. Challenger Al Franken’s campaign accuses Coleman of getting desperate as various rulings have cut into his lead. And board chairman Mark Ritchie just wants to move on quickly; the board will have to work 20 hours between this morning and its self-imposed deadline tomorrow for judging all challenged ballots. (More Minnesota stories.)