Continued: Looks like they've got our number

There have been real urban legends in this race, including allegations that Franken votes were mysteriously manufactured in the back of a car on Election Night. More of these unsubstantiated, exaggerated and deceptive myths are sure to pop up in the next few weeks, possibly from both campaigns. We can’t wait.

We are witnesses to a slow-motion political train wreck. Once it ends — after numerous challenges, suits and countersuits — a bruised but victorious Franken will limp off to Washington, and a bruised and defeated Coleman will look for work in the private sector. The only winners will be their lawyers.

Most Minnesotans will cringe as the state continues to be a punch line for comedians and an even larger target for Sean and Rush and their buddies. Pity Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, who will be vilified in the process. Meanwhile, some of us will continue to believe this state has earned its reputation for running clean elections.

Or not. Maybe none of these guesses are on the mark. Why would the Senate race suddenly pick now as the time to become predictable?

Scott Gillespie is editor of the Star Tribune's editorial pages.

Recent Opinion Exchange stories

Letter of the day: Maybe homegrown Gophers would be a bit more golden - November 21, 2008

Letter of the day: Maybe homegrown Gophers would be a bit more golden - ROY K. ERICKSON, EDINA More

Comment on this story | Read all 15 comments | Hide reader comments

New ideas for the public sector

THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME to create a more efficient Minnesota. Facing large budget deficits at the state, county and local levels, Minnesotans are seeing with new clarity that the public sector must adapt to new economic realities. Only the smartest, most strategic reinvention will ensure that our tax dollars are spent on the best programs and services. Read more

About Opinion Exchange

Opinion Exchange is produced by the Editorial Department, which is dedicated to hosting the discussion on a range of issues of interest to Star Tribune readers online and in print. In its new format, it's our hope that Opinion Exhange will create a more dynamic dialogue between Star Tribune readers and the Editorial Board. Many individual posts will be written and signed by members of the Editorial Board and will reflect their own opinions. Daily editorials will continue to represent the institutional voice of the newspaper and be researched and written by the Editorial Department, which is independent of the newsroom.

Subscribe to RSS|Learn more about RSS