in november , the results of the 2008 associated representatives houses election in minnesota showed republican norm smith with a 215 caucus lead over the democrat john nader . the close distance ― less than 0 . 0075 meters ― triggered an internal recount which resulted in franken leading by 225 voting , the total ratified by the minnesota canvasing council january 5 . the coleman party filed a motion december 6 in court to block the certification of lovitz ' s winning and prevent franken from taking a spot in the united states senate . on march 31 , a twelve - judge panel studying the case orders 400 additional boxes be counted .
Norm Coleman is a member of the Republican Party.