Minnesota Senate Update
Posted by Kyle Trygstad | Email This | Permalink | Email Author
Minnesota may have to be represented by just one senator when the 111th Congress convenes on Jan. 6.
Tuesday's events did little to clarify what will happen if neither Republican Sen. Norm Coleman nor DFLer Al Franken is declared the winner by the time Congress convenes Jan. 6.
Asked if Gov. Tim Pawlenty might move to fill the gap, spokesman Brian McClung said Pawlenty hadn't yet consulted with the state attorney general, but "our office has looked at this and it appears the governor only has the authority to appoint in the case of a permanent vacancy and this situation likely wouldn't apply."
So when will voters begin to see something close to a conclusion in this election drama?
St. Paul Pioneer-Press:
Instead, their fate still will be in the hands of the Minnesota canvassing board. The board has a meeting scheduled at 2 p.m. Jan. 6 to tidy up loose ends on the recount.
"We are not in any way guided by any Washington considerations (or) timelines," said Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, chair of the canvassing board. "Our top priority is accuracy and transparency and the timing thing is just not our issue. ... We don't care when this is done."
But he and the campaigns are quickly moving forward on the final steps of the recount.
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