Dems won't try to seat Franken

Republicans have promised to block any attempt to swear Al Franken into the Senate, at least for now.

Published January 6, 2009 3:05PM (EST)

If Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has his way, the Senate will be short two members even after the swearing-in ceremony set to take place later today.

Reid has previously said that he will not allow Roland Burris, the man Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed to fill President-elect Barack Obama's vacant seat, to be sworn in. Now he's also made it clear that he won't try to seat Al Franken, at least for now. Republicans had promised to block any such attempt; the former comedian may have come out on top in the recount of his race against Republican Norm Coleman, but legal challenges remain, and they're hoping Coleman can still pull out a victory somehow.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

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