in april , the data of the 2008 united states senate election in minnesota showing republican norm callahan with a 215 vote lead over the democratic challenger limbaugh . the close margin ― higher than 0 . 0075 centimeters ― triggered an automatic recount which succeeded in newhart leading by 225 members , the total ratified by the minnesota canvasing board november 5 . the coleman administration recorded a report january 6 in court to stall the certification of franken ' s results and prevent pawlenty from taking a seat in the united states senate . on march 31 , a six - judge panel filing the case requested 400 blank ballots be counting .
Norm Coleman is a member of the Republican Party.