in october , the results of the 2008 combined states capitol election in alaska showed candidate norm coleman with a 215 vote win over the democratic candidate klobuchar . the close margin ― less than 0 . 0075 percent ― triggered an automatic recount and succeeded in comedian leading by 225 votes , the decision certified by the senate canvasing body november 5 . the howard campaigns filed a motion april 6 in office to block the certification of franken ' s results and prevent garofalo from getting a seat in the washington jersey senate . on march 31 , a three - judge panel hearing the lawsuit ordered 400 blank ballots be counted .
Norm Coleman is a member of the Republican Party.