Franken wins major ruling

by: Matt

Tue Mar 31, 2009 at 17:45:37 PM EDT

A three-judge panel has dealt a blow to Norm Coleman’s efforts to retake the lead in the Minnesota Senate race, putting just 400 ballots in play – far fewer than what the Republican pushed for during the seven-week recount trial.

In its third week of deliberations, the court issued a ruling Tuesday afternoon ordering absentee ballots to be turned over to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office by April 6. The ballots would then by be counted in open court by April 7.

In the minutes after the ruling was issued, Democrats began trumpeting the decision, saying that Coleman’s ability now to retake the lead is a tall order.

"We are obviously pleased," said Mark Elias, chief legal counsel for Franken, in a conference call with reporters.

Conversely, a GOP staffer close to Coleman said: “It’s not looking good.” -Politico

We'll have more as the sides react.