# How's Al Franken's Senate bid going? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 12, 2008, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239 "2008-02-12T01:57:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 55
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1081 "2009-06-30T19:08:02Z")
Neither Pawlenty or Coleman have returned any phone calls yet. They’re probably discussing weasel options as we speak. Ultimately, though, If T-Paw seriously wants to run for POTUS in 2012 (as pretty much everyone expects that he will), he’s going to have to draw back from the most nakedly, ultra-partisan decision, and just sign the damn certificate. I think he will. ---
**Author:** ![chorpler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chorpler/32/2888_2.png) [@chorpler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chorpler)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1082 "2009-06-30T19:08:55Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > Technically, if the governor wishes, he can wait until the period to request a rehearing expires. That is ten days from the date of the filing of the SC’s opinion ([Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 140.01](http://www.courts.state.mn.us/rules/appellate/RCAP.htm#a14001)). At that point, the SC has ordered the clerk to enter judgment in the appeal. Since the appeal was from a determination in the favor of Senator-elect Franken, that would mean that the governor would have no further excuse, since a legally binding determination would be staring him in the face. I was wondering after reading that footnote – can Coleman just request a rehearing? ---
**Author:** ![MN\_Maenad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e95f7d/32.png) [@MN\_Maenad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MN_Maenad)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1083 "2009-06-30T19:09:09Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > Was it unanimous or does the MSSC not publish dissenting opinions? Also, the MNSSC has 7 members, and 2 recused themselves because they’d been part of the recount board or the 3-judge panel, I forget which. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1084 "2009-06-30T19:12:20Z")
> [@Captain\_Carrot](#): > > Fox’s headline will be " Franken’s Senate attempt brought to an end" I like this [Breitbart](http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9955MVG0&show_article=1) article that says that Coleman’s “options for regaining the Senate seat are dwindling.” Yeah, kind of like how the chances of Michael Jackson performing those London concerts are dwindling. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1085 "2009-06-30T19:13:28Z")
In this hour, it behooves us to extend the hand of cordial, bi-partisan friendship to that total loser…uh, wait, hold it…This is a proud moment for all Minnesotans, regardless of their political affiliation, liberal democrat or New York douchebag…oh, crap, start the tape again…Its time to put all the bitter words and feelings behind us, and to say united, with one voice: “Suck on this, Norm!”… ---
**Author:** ![Spiff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiff/32/9852_2.png) [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1086 "2009-06-30T19:14:50Z")
Norm has scheduled a presser for 3:00 p.m. CDT. Will he or won’t he concede? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1087 "2009-06-30T19:20:36Z")
> [@chorpler](#): > > I was wondering after reading that footnote – can Coleman just request a rehearing? Theoretically, I guess he could, but I think he would have to show some kind of new evidence, not just offer the same arguments all over again. I’m pretty sure the Court can also just deny the petition even if he asks for it. ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1088 "2009-06-30T19:21:28Z")
> [@Spiff](#): > > Norm has scheduled a presser for 3:00 p.m. CDT. > > Will he or won’t he concede? I am guessing that he will. I think that the hand-writing is on the wall. He’s a few shekels short, too. 😃 To answer the person who asked, yes, he has ten days to file a petition for a rehearing. But that’s pretty stupid to try, given that it was a per curiam opinion with no dissent. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1089 "2009-06-30T19:22:30Z")
> [@Spiff](#): > > Will he or won’t he concede? “But as I leave you I want you to know — just think how much you’re going to be missing. You won’t have Coleman to kick around any more” ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1090 "2009-06-30T19:22:57Z")
Norm, you’re not good enough, you’re not smart enough, and doggone it, people don’t like you. ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1091 "2009-06-30T19:23:28Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Theoretically, I guess he could, but I think he would have to show some kind of new evidence, not just offer the same arguments all over again. I’m pretty sure the Court can also just deny the petition even if he asks for it. No, not quite. Here is what the rule says: \*The petition shall set forth with particularity: ``` (a) any controlling statute, decision or principle of law; or (b) any material fact; or (c) any material question in the case which, in the opinion of the petitioner, the Supreme Court has overlooked, failed to consider, misapplied or misconceived. * ``` And yes, if he did file one, I think it would end up being dismissed pretty darn pronto. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1092 "2009-06-30T19:26:38Z")
> [@Captain\_Carrot](#): > > Fox’s headline will be " Franken’s Senate attempt brought to an end" Or else the headline will be “High Court Favors Al Franken (R-MN)” ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1093 "2009-06-30T19:27:38Z")
I think Pawlenty really wanted the Court to give him a direct, unambiguous order. I think he was looking for the Court to give him cover from his base. He wants to be able to say that he has no choice about signing. He can probably still argue that, but if the true believers perceive him as having had any choice at all about it, it could hurt him in the Primaries. ---
**Author:** ![chorpler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chorpler/32/2888_2.png) [@chorpler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chorpler)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1094 "2009-06-30T19:28:03Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > I am guessing that he will. I think that the hand-writing is on the wall. He’s a few shekels short, too. 😃 > > To answer the person who asked, yes, he has ten days to file a petition for a rehearing. But that’s pretty stupid to try, given that it was a per curiam opinion with no dissent. Thanks for the information … would a petition for a rehearing automatically be granted, or would it be up to the justices to grant or deny it? How long would it add to the wait if he filed for a rehearing? I always thought that once the Supreme Court (state or federal) ruled on something, it was over. I didn’t know you could request a rehearing. What’s up with that? ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1095 "2009-06-30T19:30:30Z")
> [@Spiff](#): > > Norm has scheduled a presser for 3:00 p.m. CDT. > > Will he or won’t he concede? “Friends, this is just the beginning!” ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1096 "2009-06-30T19:32:29Z")
Just imagine a world where the rival parties made a “gentleman’s agreement” before the election that whoever came out ahead, be it but by the merest breadth of a genital hair, the loser would bow out gracefully. Just imagine. And, yes, I know that the parties would have been precluded from such an agreement by the electoral rules, but imagine if all the politicos had gotten together and said, ‘Let’s try to spare the possibility of the taxpayer (and our own parties) throwing millions of dollars down the crapper in recounts and lawyers’ fees and let’s do our damnedest to get these rules changed." Right, as if. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1097 "2009-06-30T19:39:40Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > Just imagine a world where the rival parties made a “gentleman’s agreement” before the election that whoever came out ahead, be it but by the merest breadth of a genital hair, the loser would bow out gracefully. Just imagine. > > And, yes, I know that the parties would have been precluded from such an agreement by the electoral rules, but imagine if all the politicos had gotten together and said, ‘Let’s try to spare the possibility of the taxpayer (and our own parties) throwing millions of dollars down the crapper in recounts and lawyers’ fees and let’s do our damnedest to get these rules changed." > > Right, as if. May I ask who you supported in this little electoral contretemps? ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1098 "2009-06-30T19:46:02Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > Just imagine a world where the rival parties made a “gentleman’s agreement” before the election that whoever came out ahead, be it but by the merest breadth of a genital hair, the loser would bow out gracefully. Just imagine. Well, in this instance, the result would have been the guy with the fewer number of votes becoming senator. Not exactly a victory for democracy no matter how gentlemanly it happens to be. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1099 "2009-06-30T20:02:06Z")
It’s finally fucking over! ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2009, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239/1100 "2009-06-30T20:02:34Z")
> [@stpauler](#): > > We’re getting closer to having full representation of Minnesota. > > So how much does Coleman owe Franken now? [$95K](http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/221441-coleman-owes-franken-95k-in-court-costs). Coleman on TV right now. He’s conceding. He just said he’s already called Al to congratulate him. It’s over. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239.md?page=54) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239.md?page=56)