2008: Norm Coleman survived reelection in closest contest of Senate history

[Asian Action]

After a long legal challenge and recounting, the DFL candidate Al Franken conceded the election result. Colman won by less 200 votes lead and help GOP retain their filibuster power sine Arlen Specter switched his party to the Democratic Party.

If this happened, most obviously effect , as I mentioned earlier, the Republican could keep their filibuster for extra half year in contrast to the original timeline. Would you come up with other impact? Could Colman reelect in 2014 even 2020?

[Pericles]

I'd say he survives 2014, but not 2020. The main legislative impact would be Obamacare couldn't pass, it got exactly the 60 votes it needed to pass. It's possible a weaker expansion of healthcare coverage is passed. 2010 is a Republican wave anyway, there would be a backlash to Obamacare anyway just like Hillarycare and there were other issues like the economy behind it. It's arguable either way how Democrats would do in future elections.