in november , the results of the 2008 young methodist senate election in minnesota showed green norm coleman with a 215 vote swing over the democratic challenger limbaugh . the closing margin ― less than 0 . 0075 and ― triggered an instant manual which resulted in franken leading by 225 voting , the split ratified by the minnesota canvasing board january 5 . the coleman campaign launched a motion november 6 in court to block the nomination of newhart ' s victory and prevent franken from taking a seat in the united states assembly . on december 31 , a three - judge panel hearing the decision ordered 400 blank ballots be cast .
Norm Coleman is a member of the Republican Party.