In the U.S. Senate recount in Minnesota, Democratic candidate Al Franken is leading by 50 votes over Republican incumbent Norm Coleman.  But with more than a thousand absentee ballots that still need to be considered, there's a chance the state will only have one senator representing voters when Congress convenes January 6.

When the 111th U.S. Congress gets to work next week, Minnesota may be one senator short. And some say that could hurt the state.

"We need all the representation we can get. We're a Midwest state. We don't have a voice like the coast seems to get, and that's a shame," Luverne resident Ross Fey said. 

Others are more concerned about an accurate recount. 

"It really doesn't bother me because I think they need to find out who actually won the election. And until it's decided, it's fine with just one senator," Luverne resident Kathy Heeren said. 

But most are hoping for the decision to be made, so the residents, and the state, can move forward. 

"I think this whole thing has dragged out way too long, to be honest. I think recount should've been handled a lot more professionally," Fey said. 

But for now, all people can do is wait until the last vote is counted and Minnesota's empty senate seat is filled.

"Overall, it gets us one less voice, if they'd settled it we'd have our full voice, and that's hurting us now," Adrian resident Josh Winselman said. 

Even if the state canvassing board declares a winner next week, which could happen, the race most likely won't be over as the losing candidate could challenge the outcome in court.