This isn't exactly the kind of speculation Norm Coleman likely wants to hear.

Minnesota Republican Sen. Norm Coleman is locked in a recount battle with comedian Al Franken to retain his seat.

But a Republican colleague of Mr. Coleman's on Wednesday floated his name as a potential chairman of the Republican National Committee.

"Somebody like Norm Coleman would be great," said the senator, speaking to a small group of reporters at a Capitol Hill steakhouse on the condition of anonymity.

The senator quickly clarified the statement by expressing hope and confidence that Mr. Coleman would emerge from the recount victorious over Mr. Franken, a Democrat who was on Capitol Hill Wednesday meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat.

But the senator said that whoever the RNC chooses as its chairman, it should be someone with a national profile, preferably with experience as a governor, senator or congressman.

Al Franken is expressing cautious optimism about his chances, and there is reason to believe he has a realistic shot at making up the roughly 200 votes separating him from Coleman in the coming recount. It is likely this line of reason that is apparently leading some Republican elected officials to publicly ruminate about Coleman's future outside of the Senate. That said, recounts cost money, and Franken can use our support. So if you want to help out in the effort to reach 60 votes in the Senate, head over to the MyDD Road to 60 Act Blue page and make a contribution to his campaign today.