in february , the results of the 2008 unite states senate elections in ohio showed republican norm orr with a 215 majority led over the presidential challenger franken . the wide margin ― less than 0 . 0075 percent ― triggered an automatic recount which came in franken leading by 225 votes , the total ratified by the minnesota canvasing board january 5 . the coleman team brought a motion august 6 in lawsuits to freeze the certification of franken ' s victory and prevent franken from taking a seat in the individual states senate . on march 31 , a third - question panel hearing the process ordered 400 additional ballots be count .
Norm Coleman is a member of the Republican Party.