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Norm Coleman

Norm Coleman

Coleman made his political reputation as a two-term mayor of St. Paul, drawing credit and criticism for business-friendly, low-tax policies. He scored his most prominent success by attracting the National Hockey League to the city and winning state help to build them a new home at the Xcel Energy Center, which will host the 2008 Republican National Convention.

Coleman earned the lasting enmity of DFLers (and a lasting reputation for political agility) by jumping from the party to the GOP while mayor, winning his second term as a Republican in the DFL stronghold. He sought the governorship in 1998 but ran second in Jesse Ventura's improbable victory. In 2002, he won an improbable victory of his own, defeating DFL icon Walter Mondale for a Senate seat after the death of Sen. Paul Wellstone.

With exceptions he will emphasize, Coleman has been a loyal supporter of George W. Bush, and distinguishing himself from the unpopular president will be his major challenge in 2008.

Elected: 2002

Birthdate: August 17, 1949

Birthplace: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Home: St. Paul

Family: Wife Laurie; 4 children, 2 deceased

Employment history: practicing attorney; attorney, Minnesota Attorney General's office, 1976-1993; Mayor of St. Paul, 1994-2002

Education: Hofstra University; J.D., University of Iowa

Websites: coleman.senate.gov and colemanforsenate.com

Economy Immigration Iraq Terrorism

Norm Coleman on the issues

How he's voted:

March 10, 2005: Voted for the bankruptcy reform bill that makes it more difficult for people to wipe away their debts by filing for bankruptcy. The legislation sends more people who file for bankruptcy into Chapter 13, which results in court-ordered repayment plans. The bill passed 74 – 25.

Feb. 7, 2008: Voted for the economic stimulus bill that provided tax rebates of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples, with an additional $300 per child.

July 26, 2008: Voted in favor of the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 which extended new credit to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, overhauled the Federal Home Loan Bank System and included a Coleman provision to increase foreclosure protections for servicemen. The bill was passed on a 72 – 13 vote.

What he's said:

On the economic stimulus bill: "A bipartisan economic stimulus package is critical in these challenging economic times and I am pleased the President and Congressional leadership have agreed on a package that will help restore confidence in the economy, encourage growth and provide much-needed relief to American families who are struggling. In my travels around the state, folks from all walks of life have shared with me their concerns about the economy, as folks are impacted one way or another by the housing downturn, stock market instability, higher gas and food prices and a weakening job market. I am hopeful that this bipartisan spirit will lead to quick enactment of these rebates and small business relief."
Statement issued Jan. 24, 2008

On the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008: "As a whole, this bipartisan bill will soften the impact of the crisis by taking steps to help weather the storm of foreclosures we have seen in Minnesota and across the country. I was pleased my colleagues from both sides of the aisle came together to pass this important bill." Statement issued April 10, 2008
Statement issued April 10, 2008

On the House rejection of the $700 billion Wall St. bailout bill: "Failure to address the financial crisis is not an option. Capital is the lifeblood of our financial system, and today that system is in danger of a complete meltdown. This crisis touches each and every Minnesotan. Jobs, retirement savings, and access to credit are all at stake. We must try again – these are times that call for statesmanship, not partisanship. I remain hopeful that we can act on a bipartisan compromise that addresses the crisis while at the same time protecting taxpayers and holding Wall Street accountable. We are facing an unprecedented financial crisis, and all of us, Democrats and Republicans, Congress and the Administration, must find a way forward for Minnesota families and our economy. Now is the time for action and I am hopeful that we can come together and pass a package that will have real reform – no golden parachutes, no blank check, and above all, protect the American taxpayer. We must have real results that will stabilize our financial markets and return liquidity to the system."
Statement issued Sept. 29, 2008

On his website: http://www.colemanforsenate.com/issues

How he's voted:

May 25, 2006: Voted with 62-36 majority in favor of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act that would allow illegal immigrants access to citizenship, create a guest worker program, penalize employers who hire illegal workers and strengthen border security.

Sept. 29, 2006: Voted with 80-19 majority in favor of the Secure Fence Act, which calls for the construction of a 700-mile mile fence along the U.S.-Mexico border.

June 28, 2007: Voted against cloture (effectively voting against the measure) on a bill for comprehensive immigration reform. The cloture motion failed, effectively killing the bill. The legislation would have coupled tough border enforcement measures and a crackdown on employers of illegal immigrants with a pathway to citizenship for 12 million illegal immigrants, a new guest worker system for foreigners seeking entry and dramatic changes to the system of legal immigration. Coleman had been unsuccessful in trying to get his "sanctuary cities" amendment included in the bill. It would ensure that local law enforcement officials are able to communicate with federal law enforcement agencies regarding suspected immigration violations.

What he's said:

It stands to reason that immigrants would be less likely to enter the U.S. if they knew the odds of finding employment were effectively nil. Immigrants that legally apply for citizenship should know that America's workforce will welcome them. This bill will ensure that employers do their part to uphold the law."
Statement issued May 25, 2006

As it stands, our borders lay vulnerable to not only an influx of illegal immigrants, but also the transportation of dangerous materials. Without question, it is extremely important that we begin working toward strengthening our nation's borders."
Statement issued Sept. 29, 2006

Today I voted against moving the immigration bill forward ...We were unable to vote on amendments to strengthen the border and workplace enforcement mechanisms, as well as ending the practice of so called 'sanctuary cities' ... In the end, we must find a way to bring the more than 12 million illegal immigrants out of the shadows. However, we must do so in a way that determines who is living inside our country, secures our borders, and restores the rule of law to our immigration policies and enforcement."
Statement issued June 28, 2007

On his website: http://www.colemanforsenate.com/issues

How he's voted:

Feb. 17, 2007: Voted in favor of advancing a nonbinding resolution expressing support for the troops but criticizing Bush's decision to expand combat ranks by more than 21,000 troops. The 56-34 result fell four votes shy of the 60 required to open debate on the measure.

May 16, 2007: Voted with the majority on a 67-29 vote, rejecting an effort to cut off money for the Iraq war by March 31, 2008.

May 24, 2007: Did not vote on legislation to continue funding the war without a timeline for troop withdrawal. The Senate voted 80-14 to send the legislation to the president. Coleman favored the legislation but had to attend to a family medical emergency.

What he's said:

I yearn for peace -- through strength."
Campaign debate with Sen. Paul Wellstone on TPT, Oct. 11, 2002. Coleman said he would have voted in favor of authorizing use of force against Iraq.

I recognize the great deal of concern about the safety of American troops and the nature of the commitment, but I'm firmly convinced that we have to keep our resolve, beat the enemy, beat terrorism in Iraq -- and I'm hopeful that the public will feel the same way."
Star Tribune, Sept. 9, 2003

America will not be safer if we cut and run from Iraq. Such actions will only embolden terrorism throughout the world."
Star Tribune, Sept. 19, 2005

On his website: http://www.colemanforsenate.com/issues

How he's voted:

March 2, 2006: Voted for the reauthorization of the Patriot Act. The bill passed 89-10.

Sept. 28, 2006: Voted with the 65-34 majority in favor of a bill that authorized military tribunals to try detainees designated as alien unlawful enemy combatants. The bill allowed the use of some coerced testimony and evidence seized without a warrant and suspended the right of habeas corpus, which requires that suspects be brought to court to ensure they are being held legally.

What he's said:

I strongly believe that the Patriot Act is in the best interest of our national security as it has played an important role in fighting the War on Terror. The safety of our neighborhoods, our schools and our communities depend on this Act and it's imperative that we continue to employ this legislation in our effort to protect the United States... This bill makes important strides in safeguarding the basic individual rights of Americans. This version of the Patriot Act allows us to aggressively pursue terrorist activity while maintaining the freedoms and liberties afforded to Americans by the Constitution of the United States."
Statement issued March 2, 2006

The passage of this [military tribunal] bill is critical to winning the War on Terror. During a time of war we need a system in place where suspected foreign terrorists can be brought to justice, and this bill accomplishes that goal. Importantly, it ensures that detainees receive a full and fair trial without compromising our national security in the process."
Statement issued Sept. 28, 2006

The battle in Iraq is where the war on terrorism is being fought."
Star Tribune, May 15, 2007

On his websites: http://www.colemanforsenate.com/issues

News from Norm Coleman

Campaign finance information

Money raised: Jan. 1, 2007 - Oct 15, 2008	Money raised:	$14,772,651
	Money spent:	$14,022,657
	Cash on hand:	$2,487,181
Minnesota contributions:		$0

Norm Coleman stories from Star Tribune

Minn. lawmakers examine US Senate recount
Now that Minnesota has a second U.S. senator, two state lawmakers are looking back at the state's longest unresolved election for lessons.
Letter of the Day: The lesson of the Senate fiasco: We are responsible for our vote
Now that the Minnesota Supreme Court decision has shown clearly that there were no conspiracies and no fraud involved in the Norm Coleman/Al Franken U.S. Senate contest, perhaps it's time for those from both sides whose votes may not have been counted to take a look in the mirror and accept responsibility for their share of the blame.

• When you were at the polls, if you didn't mark your ballot carefully, it may not have been scored correctly either by the machine or the recount. This is not a fault of the election system! It is your fault. Pay attention to the demonstration judge as he or she instructs you on how to mark your ballot. Fill in the space next to the candidate's name you want to vote for. Don't make a circle. Don't make an "X" or any other mark. Just fill in the space! Don't mark more spaces than are allowed, e.g. when voting for multiple seats on a city council. Don't make extraneous marks or comments on your ballot. And if you have a question on how to vote, ask. And remember that if you make a mistake, don't cross out an entry or make marks for another candidate; you are entitled to a new ballot and to try again. In fact, if you make another mistake, you may get yet another new ballot. Do this until you get it right.

• If you're casting an absentee ballot, read all the instructions and follow them to the letter. Don't scribble! Yes, there are proposals to make the process easier, but no matter how easy it gets, if you don't follow the instructions, your ballot may not be counted. In this election, I saw no claims from either side that a ballot that was properly and clearly filled out was not counted. This year, fixes to what otherwise is a great election system in Minnesota were proposed by the Legislature, but vetoed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Perhaps in the next session these improvements will pass and be signed into law. But regardless of what improvements are made, you as a voter have the power to make sure your vote is counted. Pay attention! Do it right. From everything I've read about the initial count, the recount and the court case, every voter who did it right in this election had his or her ballot counted.
Now an ex-senator, Coleman gets bipartisan sendoff
After welcoming Al Franken as the newest member on Tuesday, the U.S. Senate spent about an hour Thursday paying tribute to Norm Coleman as the latest to leave.
Republicans send Franken $95K after Senate case
Big names in St. Paul for weekend gala
Emotional Franken finally gets sworn in
Editorial: Workhorse role suits Sen. Franken
Democrats wave Franken as trophy over limping GOP
Franken sworn in as Minnesota senator
Franken eyes role as 'people's proxy' in hearings

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