Franken Race Too Close to Call

Minnesotans may have to wait days to learn the winner of their state's close-fought Senate race, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. Republican incumbent Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken are locked in a dead heat, and the winning margin will almost certainly be slender enough to trigger an automatic recount.

Exit polls showed Franken had benefited from a surge in Democratic support, but some ticket-splitters went for Coleman. Independence Party candidate Dean Barkley pulled off enough Democrats and independents to potentially cost Franken the race. The losing candidate has the right to waive a recount under Minnesota law, but observers say that would be incredibly unlikely after one of the most bitterly contested Senate races in memory.