November 11, 2008

By Michael Falcone, The Caucus, The New York Times Politics Blog

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who dipped into his own deep pockets to help finance his presidential bid, has directed $5,000 from his “Free and Strong America” political action committee to aid the recount effort of Senator Norm Coleman of Minnesota.

Mr. Coleman, the Republican incumbent, is locked in a tight race with his Democratic opponent Al Franken. Though the initial vote tally showed Mr. Coleman ahead by 725 votes, as counties double checked their figures over the last week that margin has thinned even more. As of Monday, just over 200 votes separated the two challengers.

The vote totals are expected to be certified by the Minnesota secretary of state on Nov. 18, and an official recount will begin a day later. It could take as long as a month….

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