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Minn. Court Rejects Franken Bid to Be Seated

By the Associated Press

Posted Mar 6, 2009 3:04 PM CST

(AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court today rejected Democrat Al Franken's petition for an election certificate that would put him in the US Senate without waiting for a lawsuit to be resolved. Franken is ahead of Republican Norm Coleman by 225 votes. Coleman's ongoing lawsuit argues some uncounted absentee ballots were wrongly rejected.

Franken sued to force Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to sign an election certificate, arguing that federal law required it. But the state Supreme Court disagreed. In their ruling today, justices said states aren't required to issue such certificates by the date that Congress convenes.

Former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman looks at a paper during the Senate vote recount trial.
Former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman looks at a paper during the Senate vote recount trial.   (AP Photo)
Al Franken attorney Kevin Hamilton looks over an exhibit with Joe Mansky, election director for Ramsey County.
Al Franken attorney Kevin Hamilton looks over an exhibit with Joe Mansky, election director for Ramsey County.   (AP Photo)
Al Franken attorney Marc Elias.
Al Franken attorney Marc Elias.   (AP Photo)
Former Sen. Norm Coleman's attorneys Joe Friedberg, left, and Tony Trimble listened to Al Franken's attorney Kevin Hamilton.
Former Sen. Norm Coleman's attorneys Joe Friedberg, left, and Tony Trimble listened to Al Franken's attorney Kevin Hamilton.   (AP Photo)
Democrat Al Franken.
Democrat Al Franken.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 34 comments
jaguarj
Mar 7, 2009 6:07 AM CST
It's a game of ping-pong. They are alternately petitioning the court. Coleman..Franken..Coleman..Franken..Coleman..Franken. for the last couple of months.
woodyTX
Mar 6, 2009 10:13 PM CST
Are you from MN Pale Rider ? You've really got your knickers in a knot on this one. And what's with the Pale Rider thing ? You a preacher or something ? You realize Clint is a center - moderate Rebublican not a rabid right wing nut bag right ?
riffran
Mar 6, 2009 9:25 PM CST
poor Al..Ill get another diaper...

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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