Senator Al Franken

Every state is entitled to have two US Senators represent them.  Except, apparently, Minnesota. 

Al Franken ran as a Democratic challenger to incumbent Republican Senator Norm Coleman last year.  It was a very close election, and the candidates requested recounts of various parts of the state, which was perfectly reasonable.  The recounts showed Al Franken to be the winner.

And here we are, 7 months later, and Senator-elect Franken has not been sworn in or seated.

There have been numerous occasions where Senators or Representatives died abruptly in office, special elections were held, and a replacement was seated in less time than this. 

So why is this taking so long?

Could it be because the Republicans don't want the Democrats to have 60 seats in the Senate, which would prevent them (the Republicans) from filibustering when they want to stall legislation?

Just wondering...

Comments

[EmersonsZen]

To answer your question...absolutely.

Since I speak on behalf of just myself, let it be said that not only do I not want Stuart Smalley taking office, I do not want the libs to have a 60 vote majority in the US Senate.

The Dems have been doing a bang-up job of dismantling the country thus far, and I sincerely do not want to bear witness to a complete nightmare.

What great, monumental Democrat Senatorial action currently awaits in the wings, its passage dependant upon the 60 vote majority?

Aside from that fiasco, what is really holding up the results from being finalized? Last I heard (and its been a few months), is that a bunch of ballot boxes were found in a trunk, and some stashed behind some file cabinets...heard of that Aubrey? I'm just wondering, because there must be something of substance holding the appeals together, elsewise we'd be saturated with MSM coverage of why SS should already be in office.

Thanks for posting Aubrey : )

[Bob Kelley]

The ballot box story is easily refuted, http://www.minnpost.com/davidbrauer/2008/11/12/4565/minneapolis_election_director_speaks_ballots_in_my_car_story_false
Coleman is going to lose his appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court and who knows, he may appeal to the US Supreme Court or maybe even the Federation of Planets.

This post shows why this forum has become worthless. Take one of the rare threads started by someone with an ounce of brains, and immediately someone will add a Reich-wing conspiracy theory which someone will have to patiently point out is false. Rinse and repeat. Enough.

[Ricky]

I don't think the problem is "Reich-wing conspiracy theor(ies)", I think it is that no one on the Democratic side posts more than once a month or so. Add to that only half of the people under "Republican" ever post, and you get what you get.

Franken will get seated. But he will not become the most important member of the Senate. I think Ben Nelson of Nebraska will become the most important member, and then the Snowe/Collins pairing from Maine will follow.

Ben Nelson is probably less liberal than Arlen Specter, and he lives in a state where being primaried is ridiculous. No one more liberal than Ben Nelson will get elected in Nebraska.

And yes, President Obama got one electoral vote in Nebraska. That's like looking at New York and saying, oh man, John McCain could have had 3 whole electoral votes if they ran their process like Nebraska. It doesn't mean a national Republican is a threat to win that state any time soon.

[Timo Kokko]

Aubrey,
While I suspect you are correct, Republicans really don't want a 60 seat Democrat majority, there may be another option. Perhaps the Republicans want Minnesotans to have the Senator for whom they actually voted? Remember Coleman led Franken by 725 votes at the initial counting. That night, he was ahead by only 477 and it went down from there. While I am clueless why it is taking so long, I see no reason the Republicans should cede an election to the Democrats just because the Democrats may have better lawyers or more crooked politicians and the MSM is on their side. Of course it is possible Franken won the election in which case he should be seated.

As an aside, I can't imagine the good people of Minnesota (or anywhere) actually elected Stuart, but that is their prerogative.

[brynb2]

Ricky, David Harns hasn't posted since he got busted totally plagiarizing a blog. Only recently has Aubrey been able to have a blog go up that lasts more than a few hours before Timo jumps the gun with a new one, even though he may have just posted one within the last 12 hours.

I wish Penelope would write more.

Lord knows why the Bobs don't post. Mr. Kelley, you seem to respond with great responses, please, WRITE A BLOG NOW AND THEN! ;)

Timo says he can't imagine the people of Minnesota would want Al Franken as a Senator. Did you forget who their Governor was between 1999-2003? Or that California can elect a mediocre actor and Governor from 1967-1975? Or a decent actor, but mediocre Governor from 2003 to present? Or a mediocre actor/Governor for President from 1981-1989? Is your shock at how a people can vote for a dolt so short lived that you forget who the United States elected for President between the years of 2000 and 2008?

Al Franken won't be seated until all avenues have been exhausted and any possible temper tantrums left have been tried. Gov. Pawlenty has no hope for a political future at this point, so he has nothing left to lose but throw all he has behind Norm Coleman. Pawlenty is Coleman's Ace in the hole. As long as he has him, this will drag on. It's too bad for the people of Minnesota that this political gamesmanship is being played while they aren't being served as they deserve, and it's too bad for Senator Klobuchar that she has to do the work for two senators, but only gets the power of one vote.

[Timo Kokko]

brynb2,
Regardless of what one thinks of Jesse Ventura or George W. Busho or their politics, they were men who knew what they wanted; they were not clowns.

I can't believe you think Arnold was a better actor than Reagan.

[Timo Kokko]

My apologies for misspelling W's last name.

[Ricky]

Is it possible that while Al Franken may have been a comedian, he does know what he wants?

If you want a citizen-legislator, they have to come in all forms. And all forms are better than the overwhelming amount of attorney-legislators we have now.

[Timo Kokko]

Ricky,
I surely don't disagree that a non-lawyer could make a better legislature than a lawyer. I certainly cede the point that Franken may know what he wants but I have not seen any evidence of it. He has been a public entertainer and comedian, but my hero Reagan was an actor and union president for a while and he turned out pretty well. He could become great, but my gut tells me differently.

[Bob Kelley]

brynb2, I don't make original posts anymore and probably some time my photo will disappear from the left. This was a decision on my part as I'll be blogging elsewhere with perhaps a smaller audience but more latitude on what I can write about and language I can use. Not that I intend to be mistaken for a Tourette's patient, but when someone can be banned for the mere mention of a porn star by name it's not the place for me in the long run. I do appreciate your insightful comments and you apparently suffer fools better than I, so I would be thrilled if you took my place.

[EmersonsZen]

I don't buy it Bob. If you want to leave here so you can post some porn and cuss words, then so be it. But I think you should reconsider.

If you took a subject you were passionate about, and did some research beyond HuffPo and DailyKos, you'd probably be able to come up with some sustainable arguments/points.

Like I told Woods before he was excommunicated, I agreed with him about zero percent of the time, but I liked the discussion and debate.

Do what you gottta do Bob, but I think you'll find you're missing out on a lot by taking your show on the road.

Peace.

[EmersonsZen]

Anyway, back to Stuart Smalley...

He's a liar.

This isn't my opinion, or something somebody made up, this is documented. On file. Signatories. Recordings.

http://michellemalkin.com/2005/09/07/inside-air-america-al-frankens-lying-lies/

I didn't want to take the next 3 or 4 hours to read all of Stuart's Air America drivel, but I did get to read some real gems from his programs.

Wow.

If he's seated, I can hardly wait to hear the words of wisdom that will eminate from his bastion of knowledge.

my oh my.

[brynb2]

Bob, if that's true, I'll assume you have the ability to access the email I use here, please email me when you get new digs and let me know where I can find you.

Thanks.

[Andrew Smith]

I really do wish one of the Bobs would step it up and post a blog once in a while but if not, I certainly hope they will continue to participate in the lively debate. Next to Woods, Bob K is my favorite dissenting voice to Timo's posts. I also wish Penelope would write more, but as I said, perhaps the management should do some housecleaning and replace those bloggers who do not post with some who do. It would be nice to have a blog a day.

Oh yes, and take a look at the last few weeks. Timo's posted blogs on 6/23, 6/22, 6/18, 6/15, 6/10, 6/8, 6/7, and 6/5. Aubrey's posted blogs on 6/23 and 6/8. I didn't go back before that but that's not even a blog a day and definitely not 1 every 12 hours, and in no way does one blogger's post prevent another blogger from posting, so this nonsense about Timo jumping the gun is just that: nonsense. He's practically the only reason this blog has an audience. Well, despite the insightful and spirited discussions on his posts, of course.

Perhaps I shall email Elaine and make some suggestions as to some fresh talent. There are very good writers on LSJ.com who post frequently enough to their personal blogs who would make decent bloggers here, if they can be convinced. Otherwise, I suppose we'll have to be placated with the Timo and Aubrey show.

As to Al Franken, the bottom line is that what's holding it up is of course, a lawsuit. Oral arguments before the Minnesota Supreme Court took place on June 1, and the court has not announced when it would rule. As far as can be determined, all measures to expediently resolve the case are being taken but we all know how swiftly the courts work. I expect Franken to be seated, hopefully by the end of June but it appears Mr. Coleman is dead-set on fighting it out until his last political breath. What a joke.

[brynb2]

Timo, "Jesse, The Body, Ventura"? Big Time Wrestling? That's not comedy?

And it's not that I think Arnold was a great actor, it's that Ronald was just a really bad one.

Oh, Bob, I just reread your last line: "I do appreciate your insightful comments and you apparently suffer fools better than I, so I would be thrilled if you took my place."

I'm flattered, however, between the fact that I doubt I'd get that past Elaine, I know there are much better Democratic bloggers here than I, and with the stalker factor, once my full real name was out there, I really wouldn't feel safe, I respectfully decline even considering it. It would be cool, but I'm not that much of a masochist. I can always blog on the front page of the LSJ if I feel there is anything of value that I need to say. It gets read, on occasion.

[Timo Kokko]

brynb2,
Don't forget Ventura was also a Navy SEAL. That makes him worth listening to in my book.

[brynb2]

Timo, I'm glad you said that.

I never said that Jesse Ventura wasn't worth listening to. What I was pointing out was, you folks on the right want to paint Obama as a "Celebrity" as if that is such a horrible thought. When, in fact, you VOTE FOR CELEBRITIES. (Reagan, Schwarzenegger, Bono, Eastwood) but then make fun when the left votes for a celebrity (Franken, Hall) or when you try to make Obama out to be a celebrity when he wasn't, and call it a bad thing.

I personally like Jesse Ventura as a politician. I thought as Jesse, The Body, Ventura™ the Wrestler, he was a joke. But that's because I think Big Time Wrestling is a farce. (I also like Hulk Hogan, the man, but think Hulk Hogan™, the Wrestler is ridiculous)

Anyway, back to being glad that you mentioned that Jesse Ventura was worth listening to. I think so, too. Here are a few recent YouTube clips of Jesse V. that I'd like you to listen to. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3fGCdYXJ3s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=071dlJmfQA0 pt 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb9Y_HuHeR0 pt 2

[Andrew Smith]

Blasphemy!! Pro wrestling is great entertainment! Al Franken is not.

[Timo Kokko]

brynb2,
I must admit Jesse is hilarious. I'd like some more answers out of him rather than easy shot questions. For example his attempts to "prove" there is a problem with the 9/11 report because he does not (or perhaps cannot) understand the dynamics of building collapse is a bit childish--if childish can be used with a SEAL. Despite all the negative comments on the YouTube site about Brian Kilmeade, I thought he handled himself very well; too bad he had to leave early, I would have liked to see them both go at each other some more.

[Aubrey Marron]

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled today that Al Franken won the election and is entitled to be seated.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/30/AR2009063002200.html?hpid=topnews

Will Norm Coleman appeal? Will the Republicans continue to drag this out? We will see...

[Ceart]

It looks like the Senate will get one more foul-mouthed, lying, Democrat crook/clown to call their own.

"I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!"

[EmersonsZen]

groan...

[brynb2]

What, Ceart? Coleman is a Republican, and he conceded, what are you talking about?

[Ceart]

Brynb2 - LMAO. You and Stuart Smalley would make quite a couple.

[runescape gold]

Don’t underestimate the ability of the Lizard People to petition the US Supreme Court. They will have their say!