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ST. Paul, Minn. (AP) Sen. Norm Coleman has failed in an attempt to block 32 absentee ballots from Hennepin County from being counted in his close race with Democrat Al Franken.

Coleman's campaign asked Ramsey County Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin to issue a temporary restraining order in regard to counting of the ballots.

Gearin says she denied the request Saturday for lack of jurisdiction.

Coleman's campaign says it made the request after new ballots "suddenly appeared" in a heavily Democratic precinct. It says the ballots had not been secured and counting them would violate state rules.

Franken's campaign responded that Coleman's request was nothing more than an attempt to disenfranchise voters.

The Minnesota secretary of state's office most recent tally had Coleman 221 votes ahead of Franken.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-08-08 1252CST | save this article / add to your favorites list