Alison Krueger

A roundup of recent recount tidbits: The Strib on why Republicans may claim “we wuz robbed,” the resurgence of the Ritchie’s-a-Commie attack, Norm Coleman’s forced hockey metaphor, and more.

Former state Rep. Mark Olson’s bizarre write-in campaign, which was endorsed by the Republican Party in Senate District 16, fell slightly short of success. The Republican, who was kicked out of the party caucus after being arrested for assaulting his wife, received 310 votes in the state Senate race, according to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. But that’s not to say that Olson didn’t play a vital role in the contest.

Al Franken will comfortably advance from today’s primary election to take on Norm Coleman in the U. S. Senate race. With more than 80 percent of the results in, Franken is carrying 67 percent of the vote in the seven-candidate field. His most credible challenger, attorney Priscilla Lord Faris, is currently garnering support from 29 percent of voters.