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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
5

Pawlenty In Squeeze Over Franken's Fate

Mulling White House run, guv faces heavy choice

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(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)
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5 comments
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sache
Apr 2, 09 9:21 AM CDT
Pawlenty has only to do what is right for the people of Minnesota. They have gone through enough nonesense. If the courts rule in Franken's favor, Pawlenty has to show true leadership and certify the results. Reply
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Mad
Apr 2, 09 9:28 AM CDT
The Rule of Law has never meant shit to republicans Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Observer
Apr 3, 09 6:27 PM CDT
Truth spoken here.
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nick
Apr 2, 09 11:28 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) Reply
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Observer
Apr 3, 09 6:31 PM CDT
I thought MN was a liberal state. Seat Franken. Screw the republicans. Who cares about this Governor's "appearence"? Reply
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