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.
I was wondering after reading that footnote – can Coleman just request a rehearing?
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.
I like this Breitbart 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.
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!”…
Norm has scheduled a presser for 3:00 p.m. CDT.
Will he or won’t he concede?
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.
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.
“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”
Norm, you’re not good enough, you’re not smart enough, and doggone it, people don’t like you.
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.
Or else the headline will be “High Court Favors Al Franken (R-MN)”
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.
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?
“Friends, this is just the beginning!”
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?
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.
It’s finally fucking over!
$95K.
Coleman on TV right now. He’s conceding. He just said he’s already called Al to congratulate him. It’s over.