Despite cash infusion, Coleman’s ‘in a bubble running out of oxygen’

Norm Coleman’s contest just got a boost — not legally, but financially. The Republican National Committee has transferred a quarter-million dollars to the state GOP to help cover legal costs in Coleman’s bid to regain his U.S. Senate seat. While the GOP wallet may be fatter, Coleman’s chances grow slimmer, according to experts interviewed by the Star Tribune. Court rulings against Coleman’s arguments — including one that brushed off his claims of systemic problems — prompted the University of Minnesota’s Larry Jacobs to offer up a metaphor: “Coleman is in a bubble running out of oxygen.” Hamline University professor David Schultz agrees, but adds that campaign fundraising appeals as well as words by Coleman attorney Ben Ginsberg (who said the judges had concocted a “legal quagmire”) suggest “an appeal is very likely at this point.”

In other developments, the Pioneer Press is calling for a run-off election, whereas CounterPunch’s James McEnteer has other ideas — ranging  from a duel to state secession — for a quicker solution. Needless to say, though, this thing will continue to drag on.

The recount and contest process entered its second month this morning with state elections director Gary Poser taking the stand to answer questions about how Minnesota voters register and how the state maintains its voter database.