Franken Camp On Coleman's Appeal To MN Court: "Cynical And Desperate"

Marc Elias, counsel to Democrat Al Franken's campaign for Senate in MN, told reporters today that they'll leave fewer than 500 ballot challenges in place for the state Canvassing Board to consider when it meets tomorrow.

"We are confident that we have made more meritorious challenges than the Coleman campaign," Elias said.

The Canvassing Board meeting marks the latest chapter in the ongoing MN Senate contest recount. The latest related development was prompted by Coleman's team, who asked the state Supreme Court to halt the board's count until uniform standards are established for judging intent.

The Franken team today deemed that move a ploy, however, calling it "a cynical and desperate attempt from the Coleman campaign to stop this train from moving."

With the Canvassing Board count set to launch tomorrow, Elias said the MN Secretary of State has guidelines in place allowing the parties to make arguments for or against counting each ballot and to respond to the other camp's challenges.

As many as 1,600 absentee ballots are in play, reports indicate.

(JENNIFER SKALKA)