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Capitol View®
Tom Scheck

Franken fails in attempt to get election certificate signed…

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Democrat Al Franken called on Gov. Pawlenty and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to sign his election certificate.

It's not going to happen.

Here's the response from Secretary of State Mark Ritchie:

"Minnesota law is very clear on when a certificate of election can be issued. Neither the governor nor I may sign a certificate of election in the U.S. Senate race until all election contests have reached a final determination. Even if the governor issues a certificate of election prior to the conclusion of the contest phase, I will not sign it."

Here's Gov. Pawlenty's response:

"I have a duty to follow state law and our statutes are clear on this issue. I am prohibited from issuing a certificate of election until the election contest in the courts has been resolved."

Update:

Norm Coleman's campaign manager, Cullen Sheehan, released this statement:

Coleman for Senate Campaign Manager Cullen Sheehan today issued the following statement:

"Al Franken knows he can't win this election contest based on the major inconsistencies and discrepancies that were part of the recount, and his attempted power play today is evidence of that. He can't and won't be seated in a seat he didn't win, so he is trying this underhanded attempt to blatantly ignore the will of Minnesotans and the laws of the state. The totals certified by the state canvassing board include double counted votes, inconsistencies regarding rejected absentee ballots, and inconsistent handling of newly discovered and missing ballots. These are serious issues that both the canvassing board and the Minnesota Supreme Court directed be handled in an election contest, and that will go forward as required."

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