Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie announced yesterday that he and four state judges will oversee the recount of votes in the U.S. Senate contest.

Incumbent Republican Norm Coleman holds a 206-vote lead over Democratic challenger Al Franken.

As Coleman’s margin has dropped by about 500 votes since Election Day, Republicans are stepping up their criticism of Ritchie, a Democrat.

Election projection wizard Nate Silver has said that Franken is a “slight favorite” to emerge victorious.

Ritchie says the recount board will be able to certify a winner before the end of the year.