Norm Gettin’ Squirrelly

Al Franken is still behind in Minnesota. But as they’ve been finalizing and rechecking votes (all before any formal recount), Norm Coleman’s lead has gotten smaller and smaller and smaller. As of Friday evening the number separating the two was down to 221 votes — well within the margin that recounts can sometimes overturn. (Indeed, Jon Chait notes that optical scan machines could produce non-trivial swings in the vote since votes that don’t register on the optical scan machines often have evident voter intent on visual inspection.) But, now, as he sees his margin dwindle, Coleman is trying to play the ‘vote fraud’ card in a desperate attempt to retain his seat.