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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Minn. Court Rejects Franken Bid to Be Seated

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(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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34 comments
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Rob
Mar 6, 09 3:05 PM CST
Franken in the Senate. Good God! What is happening to our country? Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Chudluv
Mar 6, 09 4:01 PM CST
It's called Progress. Just as Obama in the White House is Progress. Though, I did not for Obama. He was elected so I will give him one year and then it's open season, pun not intended, for smack down on policies not agreeable with me.
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IN RESPONSE:
Rob
Mar 6, 09 4:14 PM CST
It's not necessarily progress. Maybe change is a better term.
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IN RESPONSE:
Chudluv
Mar 6, 09 5:13 PM CST
So, Rob do you share those who thought change was wrong, this be in the Era of 50's and 60's? I believe there a lot of things needing change and some don't. But having said that, we need "newer" and fresher minds in Congress.
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IN RESPONSE:
PaleRider
Mar 6, 09 5:21 PM CST
@Chudluv, change alright, in the wrong direction. He's doing a real bang up job, and I don't wanna hear anything about, "give him a chance".
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