Political Perceptions: Nobody Cares About Minnesota

Since everyone already knew President-elect Barack Obama was going to pick Bill Richardson for secretary of commerce, we’re moving on to the more interesting news: now that there’s no way for the Democrats to hit 60 in the Senate, people care a lot less about the Minnesota Senate race. Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss won a runoff election against former state Rep. Jim Martin and Washingtonpost.com’s C hris Cillizza points out that Al Franken is one of the losers because of it. “With 60 seats for Democrats no longer a possibility, entertainer Al Franken’s ongoing recount fight with Sen. Norm Coleman loses that much urgency in the eyes of national party strategists. Both sides acknowledge that Coleman is ahead at the moment although they differ widely on how many votes separate the two men. If Coleman stays ahead, the desire (and interest) in Franken’s candidacy may well wane as both parties prepare for the coming Obama Administration and the 2010 elections.” CLICK HERE for ... (link)