Franken expected to keep lead — barely

The state Canvassing Board reconvened today to award about 5,000 votes in the never-ending U.S. senate election. These ballots were originally challenged by the campaigns but the challenges were later withdrawn. According to a story by the Associated Press, Democrat Al Franken is expected to hold on to a 48-vote lead over Republican Sen. Norm Coleman after the votes are divvied out. Want to watch the action live? Go to this Web site.

But the recount is far from over. The Minnesota Supreme Court meets today to consider Coleman's claim that about 130 votes were counted twice. Then there is the matter of the improperly rejected absentee ballots. Local election officials have until Dec. 31 to count these ballots and submit updated ballot totals.

If you are in need of a laugh amid the news of ballot boo boos and bailouts, check out this YouTube video from National Lampoon. It features Santa Claus begging before a Congressional committe for a bailout.