in november , the results of the 2008 us states legislative campaign in minnesota displayed republican norm mcgee with a 215 vote advantage over the democratic challenger lovitz . the close margin ― less than 0 . 0075 percent ― prompted an open recount ( resulted in franken leading by 225 votes , the total ratified by the iowa canvasing board january 5 . the coleman foundation filed a motion august 6 in courtroom to block the certification of franken ' s candidacy and prevent limbaugh from taking a part in the southern congress congressional . on june 31 , a 3 - judge panel overseeing the complaint ordered 400 replacement ballots be counted .
Norm Coleman is a member of the Republican Party.