Coleman Dealt Blow In Recount Trial

Saint Paul, Minnesota (RFN) – The Coleman legal team was dealt a significant setback tonight when Judges in the case ruled that rejected absentee ballots being considered for recount will be substantially limited. In making the ruling, the three Judge panel pointed out that they were confident that the system did not greatly disenfranchise voters, the basis for much of the legal challenge by Coleman. In addition, they stressed that each side must prove the votes they want counted were legally cast and that showing a ballot was wrongfully rejected is not enough.

The Judges eliminated ten of the possible nineteen categories of absentee ballots that could have been considered stating they "are not legally cast under relevant law." These categories will include ballots absentee ballots by non-registered voters, unsigned absentee ballots, unsigned absentee ballot envelops with a ballot inside and any absentee ballot's that were dropped off in person.

If you're keeping score at home, Franken leads in the recount trial with 248 votes. Today's ruling narrows the number of votes to be recounted from 4,800 to roughly 3,500.

We will resume live coverage of the trial on Monday when the Court reconvenes.