The latest from the Star-Tribune:

Although he doesn't have a seat, Al Franken will have the floor Tuesday when he meets with Democratic leaders in the U.S. Senate.

Franken, who is locked in a mandatory recount of the Nov. 4 balloting with Republican incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman, will update Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and others on the recount process, said his spokeswoman, Colleen Murray.

The Senate leaders and the candidate also will talk about upcoming legislation, she said.

"If he should win this election, it would be irresponsible for him not to get ready to take office," she said. "Minnesota deserves a senator who is ready to take office on Day One."

Franken, who was last in Washington in September, will skip a scheduled orientation for new senators also scheduled for this week.

The vote difference between Franken and Coleman remains locked at 206 votes in Coleman's favor.