Editorial: Recount brings more ugliness

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Mark Ritchie, Minnesota’s secretary of state and the state’s principal election official, is a Democrat.

Not surprisingly, some GOPers may see that as a potential problem in the ongoing Senate recount saga.

In today’s edition, Don Davis reports that “(Norm) Coleman attorney Fritz Knaak said he has confidence in Ritchie’s staff and liked the jurists named to the board, but is less positive about Ritchie himself.” But it seems he shouldn’t have too much to complain about — after all, Ritchie named a strong Republican in Minnesota Supreme Court justice Eric Magnuson to the Canvassing Board that will oversee the recount, and Magnuson in turn appointed former state GOP attorney G. Barry Anderson (now also on the Supreme Court).

These appointments, of course, weren’t unnoticed by Andy Barr, the spokesman for Al Franken. Barr noted both Magnuson and Anderson were both appointed to the state’s high court by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, “who has been active surrogate for the Coleman campaign, going on television to spread false claims of foul play. ...”

Meanwhile, both campaigns continue to seek donations that will only supplement the combined $40 million spent up until Election Day. In a lagging economy, couldn’t at least some of that money have been better spent?

At this rate, this recount business is going to be one ugly ride.

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