A conversation with Norm Coleman
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Republican Norm Coleman says he's confident that the issues he has raised in the court challenge of the U.S. Senate recount will be addressed to his satisfaction.
In an interview today with MPR's Tom Crann, Coleman stopped short of saying he would abide by the decision of the three-judge panel. But he indicated he believes the judges are doing their best to make sure the outcome is as accurate as possible.
DFLer Al Franken had a 225-vote lead over Coleman at the end of the state's official recount of the election. But Coleman maintains that lead is artificial, pointing out that Franken's lead has shrunk just this week because of some miscounted ballots in Anoka County.
Coleman said he's doing his best to stay connected with the issues facing the Senate, especially the stimulus package awaiting action.
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Coleman said he would not support the $900 billion stimulus package as it is written now, saying it is too big.
"It contains too many things that are not going to have an impact on economic growth," said Coleman. "I'd love to be involved in that discussion more actively. I'm certainly being informated about that right now."
Coleman recently took a job consulting for the Republican Jewish Coalition, saying he needs to support his family while waiting for the outcome of the trial.
When asked if he's mentally preparing for life outside politics, he responded:
"I don't define myself as being a U.S. senator. If I continue to have that opportunity, I'll do so with great joy. If I don't have that opportunity, I will, with great joy, look at other endeavors and other things in life."
Coleman said if he has a chance to talk with his Democratic opponent Al Franken, he believes they'd say the same thing to each other.
"Let's get this figured out. Let's make sure every vote is counted. Let's make sure that we get the result right. If you win, I'll do what I can to support you."
The recount trial is expected to last at least a few more weeks.
