Democrats were hopeful that the Senate seat of Norm Coleman from Minnesota, would be one that they could get in their attempt to get a 60 vote, filibuster proof majority. The Dems felt that by running Al Franken, a candidate with high name recognition and strong liberal politics they could turn the seat in a state that recently elected one of the most liberal members of the Senate Amy Klobuchar. It’s not going to happen.
Last month SurveyUSA released this survey showing that Coleman was up by 10% with momentum in his direction. This poll was taken around the time that it was revealed that Al Franken hadn’t paid workers compensation insurance for his employees in New York. At the time Franken’s team had numerous and changing reasons for why the payment of the insurance, was an “oversight” (including “he wasn’t home”) but in the end agreed to paying a fine.
Team Franken thought that paying the fine would let them get back to running for Senate but they were wrong. A new issue was raised alleging that Franken hadn’t filed California state income taxes for a period of years. Again Team Franken moved into spin mode alleging that it was another “oversight” and that Franken’s California corporation was to have been terminated as he hadn’t done business in California during that time. Once again Team Franken thought they could get pass the issue by paying the back tax and penalty.
Case closed.
Um…..not quite.
Over the weekend it was reported that Franken had in fact “done business” in California during the time that he claimed his corporation was inactive. In fact, Franken has been documented to have participated in at least 32 events during the years that he did not file a corporate tax return. You can read all the details here where the leg work has been done.
While there is still some “ciphering” to be done what with Franken listed as being the CFO of his corporation, conflicting filings with the State of California and very confused accountants, we can all expect more spin forthcoming from Team Franken.
Minnesotans may be confused politically, but we generally have a solid compass on hypocrisy. Franken has seen his polling top. The only remaining question is whether the Dems will attempt to do a skate save and find another candidate to endorse. Regardless, Coleman’s seat will remain in the “R” column for the next 6 years.
