Franken Optimism.

  I think Franken has a much better show of winning than Begich.  The CNN exit polls had Begich losing - not the most accurate measure I know.  I just don't why I should believe that the outstanding ballots in Alaska are different from the one already counted.  No more welfare for Alaska.  No more earmarks and no more pork.  

24, Male, GA-05

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by: cilerder86 @ Tue Nov 11, 2008 at 04:26:18 AM UTC

Accroding to a State Senator

From Alaska on Rachel Maddow's show. 29% of the state's voters have yet to be accounted for. Plus, early ballots which account for much of the outstanding ballots, those that have been counted already skewed heavily to Begich I believe 59-37 was the number. So, there's certainly reason for optimism in both states.

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by: safi @ Tue Nov 11, 2008 at 04:31:07 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

AK-Sen

People playing Begich on Intrade should be getting very long odds...The Alaskan Mafia has set it up so the r's retain that seat one way or another

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by: bklonsky @ Tue Nov 11, 2008 at 04:29:57 AM UTC

I've seen a couple things that should be cause for optimism on each

AK-Sen: I beleive 81,000 ballots are out, early voting, absentee, etc.  Those favor Begich like a post above says estimated 57-39.  Either way, it's easily enough to throw him over the top.  

MN-Sen: Retabulation favors D's in recent elections, and Hennepin county (Minneapolis) needs to retabulate still.  Franken could take the lead tonight or early tomorrow for that.  Then there are an estimated 6,000 ballots that were marked incorrectly that a hand count could see voter intent, and 18,000 "Under votes" for Barack that might have been the same, incorrectly marking the ballot or the individual didn't vote on the senate race.  

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by: JeremiahTheMessiah @ Tue Nov 11, 2008 at 04:37:33 AM UTC

Hennepin was reported

Franken gained 18 votes there. Canvassing is basically finished. Now all the counties are a doing a mini-recount audit process, which will give us some clues as to where the recount may go.

http://news.postbulletin.com/n...

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by: Progressive America @ Tue Nov 11, 2008 at 05:49:24 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

55-27 = 28

Is that reported online?  Earlier it was 239?... Now it's 205... Sounds close... I wonder if it has been updated to the SOS Website.  

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by: JeremiahTheMessiah @ Tue Nov 11, 2008 at 06:35:16 AM UTC

[ Parent ]