Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Pawlenty In Squeeze Over Franken's Fate

Mulling White House run, guv faces heavy choice

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 2, 2009 8:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Minnesota Senate race is set for the state Supreme Court, and after that, it’s in GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s hands. If the court puts Democrat Al Franken on top, that puts Pawlenty, eyeing a 2012 presidential run, in a tight spot, writes Manu Raju for Politico: Does he certify Franken’s election, alienating Republicans, or does he risk angering Democrats by delaying further?

If Pawlenty issues the certificate, Dems are likely to try to put Franken in DC, even if Norm Coleman appeals to federal courts; without a certificate, they probably won’t seat him, say insiders. A rep for Pawlenty says it comes down to state law interpretation, not politics. But “the Republican Party nationally and in Minnesota is playing not just with fire, but with dynamite,” warns a Minnesota Democrat.

Former Sen. Norm Coleman listens during proceedings in the Minnesota Senate recount trial in St. Paul, Minn., March 11, 2009.
Former Sen. Norm Coleman listens during proceedings in the Minnesota Senate recount trial in St. Paul, Minn., March 11, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Sept. 4, 2008.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Sept. 4, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken leaves talks to reporters on Capitol Hill, March 10, 2009, after attending the Democratic policy luncheon.
Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken leaves talks to reporters on Capitol Hill, March 10, 2009, after attending the Democratic policy luncheon.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Observer
Apr 3, 2009 11:31 AM CDT
I thought MN was a liberal state. Seat Franken. Screw the republicans. Who cares about this Governor's "appearence"?
Observer
Apr 3, 2009 11:27 AM CDT
Truth spoken here.
nick
Apr 2, 2009 4:28 AM CDT
Republicans do not practice what they preach. Soon after the Nov. 2008 election, when Coleman was ahead by 250 votes, he pointedly asked Al Franken to do the right thing for the people of Minnesota and just concede. Now, five months after the election, with Franken ahead, why isn't Norm Coleman taking his own advice and doing the right thing for the people of Minnesota by conceding the election to Al Franken? Because Republicans would rather win than do the right thing. They believe that ethics are for losers. (See Bush v. Gore)

More Newser Stories

Pawlenty's Next Move: Senate Run?

Norm Coleman to Joe Miller: Give Up Already

Both Parties Get Ready to Recount

Al Franken Lashes White House Over Health Care Leadership

Franken Victory Could be Nightmare for Harry Reid


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne