Senate Campaign Updates: Can Democrats Pick Up Two More Seats?

BE ELECTED

One down, two to go is the mantra now for Democrats hoping to pick up two more U.S. Senate seats not decided on November 4. Here's where things stand in Minnesota and Georgia:

Minnesota
(with thanks to the Star Tribune -- check them frequently for the latest updates)

A recount is under way in Minnesota. Franken narrowed Coleman's lead a little on the first day, Wednesday. The counting seems likely to take a month or so:

Recount: Norm Coleman’s lead over Al Franken shrinks

A victory in the courts Wednesday will let Al Franken take a closer look at absentee ballots in the state's second largest county, to make sure none for him were improperly tossed:

Judge grants Franken campaign request for access to rejected absentee ballot data

The details of procedures and practices are kind of interesting: "Before the recount began in Minneapolis, several representatives from each campaign met in a circle and shook each others' hands, like basketball captains. [We don't recall that occurring in Florida in 2000.] ... In all, 49 of 107 recount sites — some county, and some city — began their work on Wednesday. Each site is required to finish their work and report by Dec. 5; a state canvassing board will take up their results, and make rulings on disputed ballots, beginning Dec. 16. Litigation could drag a final resolution well into 2009."

Challenge in Minnesota Senate recount: Checking 2.9M ballots 'without getting a little crazy'

Georgia

There will be a December 2 Senate run-off election. and early voting has already started. Media coverage seems focused on national figures who are campaigning for Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin. Bill Clinton stumped on Wednesday, and Al Gore is up next on Martin's side. Essentially all the GOP primary candidates will stump for Chambliss.

A candidate debate was proposed for Sunday but now seems unlikely to occur.

Wayne LaPierre and the NRA's political arm are endorsing Chambliss.  Martin's campaign counters that Martin, too, is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. "'Jim supports the Second Amendment and will protect the rights of all law-abiding citizens to bear arms,' said Martin spokesman Matt Canter. 'Saxby Chambliss is the one who wants to raise taxes on guns and ammunition with his support of a national sales tax.'"

There is some potential that scandals in the background will erupt, hurting Chambliss' odds in the runoff. Chambliss has been subpoenaed to testify in a case concerning deaths at an Imperial Sugar factory.

Chambliss fights order in sugar plant blast suit

In addition, Election integrity activists are seeking to prove that Chambliss stole his last election against Max Cleland.

$100,000 Reward For Information About Rigging of 2002 Saxby Chambliss Senate Race In Georgia

In the presidential race, Georgia went 52%-47% for McCain; in the Senate race, Jim Martin trailed by more than 100,000 out of some 3,752,000 votes cast; and Saxby Chambliss has the advantage of incumbency. Bottom line: This looks to be the toughest of the Senate seats for Democrats to secure.

BE ELECTED