Pawlenty: I'd Like A Second Senator But It's Out Of My Hands

Tim Pawlenty responded on Wednesday to Tim Kaine's request that he sign Al Franken's election certificate, telling the DNC Chair in a letter that he is legally bound to see the state's recount election through its conclusion.

Trying to strike a balance between the desires of national Republicans -- who want Norm Coleman to drag the process out further -- and his local constituents -- who want a resolution to the recount -- the Minnesota Governor said he understood "the frustrations of my fellow Minnesotans who rightfully deserve to be represented by two senators."

But he proclaimed the law to be fairly strict and clear in terms of what he could do, arguing that he was prohibited from issuing an "election certificate until the election contest process is complete."

"In your letter, you asked that I commit to signing an election certificate 'as soon as the Court issues a ruling.' As a fellow Governor and attorney, I am sure you can appreciate that such a commitment would be premature. For example, the Minnesota Supreme Court might remand the case to the three-judge panel and ask them to consider various issues that were raised in the election contest. Under such a circumstance, Minnesota law would prohibit the issuance of an election certificate.

"I understand the frustrations of my fellow Minnesotans who rightfully deserve to be represented by two senators. It is important that our state have our full complement of Senators representing us in Washington, D.C. as soon as possible. It is also important that the thoughtful and thorough election process outlined in Minnesota law be allowed to proceed as intended."

The one thing that stuck out among the letter's content was Pawlenty's reference to a court ruling denying Franken's effort to have an election certificate certified. The state Supreme Court, Pawlenty noted, held that "'state law does not require, indeed does not permit, issuance of a certificate of election until the election contest in state court is completed'"

Political observers in Minnesota point to this passage as the likely reason Franken will be seated once the state Supreme Court makes its upcoming decision on Coleman's latest appeal. Noting that the certification will come once the contest "in state court" is finalized, the argument follows that Pawlenty will be ordered to sign off on Franken's victory even if Coleman pledges to take the case to the federal level.

This could be, Professor David Schultz of Hamline University argues, Pawlenty's dream scenario. "Then, at least, he has the cover from the national Republicans by being able to say, 'Well, I'm under court order to do this.'"

Click here for a PDF of the letter.

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Comments

[cobraxus]

the only grounds Coleman has for filing a federal lawsuit in this case would be that his civil rights were violated.t­hat would cast an aspersion on the whole of his state.

[AddyGmom]

First time I heard pawlenty's name was the bridge collapse. Looks like he's participating in more collapses -- his political career in Minnesota and the republican party. HeckuviaJob TimmyBoy.

[Jamie Kowalski]

"For example, the Minnesota Supreme Court might remand the case to the three-judge panel and ask them to consider various issues that were raised in the election contest. Under such a circumstance, Minnesota law would prohibit the issuance of an election certificat­e."

This sounds to me like "this is completely out of my hands, but here's a helpful tip as to how this thing can be further prolonged.­"

All he had to do was to tell us that he would sign the certificate if and when the Minn SC makes a ruling in Franken's favor. As far as I am aware, he has never said this, which is what the complaint is about. I understand following law, but he seems to suggest he will only do that up until the point where it is no longer helpful to the Right.

[OhComeOnNow]

http://normdollar.com

Contribute a $1 a day to make Normie go away. Over $102,000 raised so far. Keep it going!!

[dax49]

yet another republican politician who proves that his allegiance lies with the republican party and not with the nation

[OhComeOnNow]

Reprehen$ible c0ward!! Oh well, he won't be governing here in MN after this term. He couldn't be elected d0gcatcher after this embarassment.

[Budokan]

We really should give this governor a break. I mean, let's face facts. Since when has a RepubliKan lately EVER taken responsibility? It's just not part of their Tinker Toy ideology..­...

[Cochituate]

This tool is a moderate Republican? Good Lord man, have you never seen a moderate republican? A moderate would be Nelson Rockefeller, a George Romney, an Edward Brooke. Pawlenty is taking the budget process in the state of Minnesota and destroying it for his ideological ends. This SOB's reign of terror ends in two years. According to Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid, people like this are too dangerous to be locked up in America- they have to be housed at Guantanamo Bay, where they can't escape into our America.

[Susan60]

No Governor. What's out of your hands is a pen to sign the certification with. Get a damn pen!!

[Liberalforsure]

Hopefully the people of MN will do the right thing too and vote your .... out!

[Rmath]

The only thing that's in Pawlenty's hands is Coleman's crank.

[rootbeerpies]

That is freakin' funny!

[Plus15]

Governor, Time for you to let us know whether your allegiance is to the United States or to the Republican Party – it’s simple as that

[Carolab]

"For example, the Minnesota Supreme Court might remand the case to the three-judge panel and ask them to consider various issues that were raised in the election contest."

Is he trying to issue "advice" here? I really object to the way Pawlenty has stuck his nose in this.

[ManwithaParachute]

Timmy simply has a crush on Normy.

[Tommygun264]

Unfortunately for you Mr. Pawlenty, your defeat in 2010 will also be out of your hands.

[green108]

my sentiments exactly.