Al Franken (Reuters)

The court battle over the result of last year’s U.S. Senate race in Minnesota continues, with no immediate conclusion in sight.

Incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman narrowly edged out Democratic candidate Al Franken, who has a history of ugly Catholic-baiting comments, in the initial ballot count. But Franken inched ahead following a recount.

Coleman challenged the recount in court, alleging it was conducted using inconsistent and unfair standards that cost him votes.

CNN reported today that the court battle is unlikely to conclude any time soon, courtesy of a decision by the Federal Election Commission. The decision allows the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to establish a fund to collect donations to cover expenses related to the Minnesota recount.

The decision’s effect, CNN reported, is to allow both the Democrats and the Republicans to raise money to continue the costly court battle. The trial court that heard Coleman’s challenge of the recount is expected to deliver its decision in the near future.

Coleman’s lawyers told CNN they anticipate losing the trial court decision, but, if so, they intend to appeal the decision to the Minnesota Supreme Court.