ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court has rejected Democrat Al Franken's petition for an election certificate that would put him in the U.S. Senate without waiting for a lawsuit to be resolved.
Franken is ahead of Republican Norm Coleman by 225 votes. Coleman's ongoing lawsuit argues some uncounted absentee ballots were wrongly rejected.
Franken sued to force Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to sign an election certificate. Franken argued that federal law required it.
But the state Supreme Court disagreed. In their ruling Friday, the justices said states aren't required to issue such certificates by the date that Congress convenes.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Attorneys for Norm Coleman are arguing that their legal case is still valid and that about 1,725 rejected absentee ballots should be opened and counted.
The court papers filed Friday respond to an effort by Al Franken's attorneys to dismiss Coleman's lawsuit challenging the Minnesota Senate recount.
Franken's attorneys argue Coleman has failed to meet his burden of proof that in the case. He is trying to overcome Franken's 225-vote lead.
Coleman's attorneys say documents and testimony show the court should count certain votes.
