Some ballot challenges remain to be resolved and approximately 1,500 improperly rejected absentee ballots are still at issue, the (Minneapolis) Star Tribune reported late Monday, basing its conclusion on an analysis of a draft report from the Minnesota Secretary of State's office.

Franken's lead is down from Friday, when he was up by 251 votes, the newspaper said.

The Franken campaign said Saturday it believed he will unseat Coleman by 35 to 50 votes when the recount is completed.