Spector Makes 59..Franken makes 60

The news is in. Yes! Arlen Spector a life long Republican from Pennsylvania decided recently to switch party's making the race..assuming Franken is seating (which is all but inevitable) up to 60 votes. This is so important because it would provide a veto proof majority in Congress that wuold allow the President to sign crucial legislation loike Health care, energy, education and hopefully Labor reform

Spector was seen as a vulnerable candidate in 2010, where he was loosing in his Republican primary. This is a symptom of a larger issue of Republicans driving moderates out of the party. In his statement He cited that the party was taking ideology over political relevance. "They don't make any bones about their willingness to lose the general election if they can purify the party. I don't understand it but that's what they say."

60 votes... 60 that's huge. It has always been the magic number. With Franken getting seated in the future, real reform will happen in this Congress. The last few months have been filled with Republicans using their Senate minority to block legislation and to make the Democrats look bad, but with this vote, that could change. Granted Spector isn't an automatic vote, butmif he wants to do well in the Democratic primary in 13 Months, he will have to take Democratic Party Platform possitions.


What Does this mean For Franken?

This means the stakes just hot higher. A 60th vote in the senate would make the minority party less relevent. This makes the Coleman lawsuit even more applicable and John Cornyn's push for the Supreme Court appeal even louder.

But.. Pawlenty said that Spector's decision didnt affect the contest in Minnesota, or when he would sign a certificate. This could be good or bad news for Democrats because Pawlenty remains vague on the issue.
"We're going to follow the law with respect to the Franken/Coleman litigation and when and how a certificate gets issued," Pawlenty said. "So again, the situation with Pennsylvania has no connection or impact on what's going to happen in Minnesota."



This could be a historic moment. We will just have to wait and see.

Republicans - Idealists or Obstructionists?

Sack


I see this as a perfect example. Republican are complaining about the stimulus as a giant pork package. Many including ll of the republican Minnesota delegation have complained that this will do nothing to help the economy and is just filled of pet projects. That being said, you don't hear anything from them about the projects this package that will be done in their districts. If there is such an idealistic opposition to the package, they should lobby MNDOT and othter state agencies to not spend money in their districts. If they really oppose this bill, then they should take stand. Instead, it looks like they will beb glad to welcome the money when it comes to benefit their constituents.


Furthermore, it seems that the stimulus will help the Minnesota Deficit. Pawlenty will be acceting money to help ofset the states budget troubles. Isn't that convenient.

Totally Expected News: Franken Got the Boot

"Al Franken’s trial balloon argument that he should soon be seated in the Senate – at least on a provisional basis -- isn’t going very far.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) and Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, a Democrat, reiterated that no election certificate will be handed out until the post-recount legal activity is complete. Both issued separate statements to that effect this afternoon.

“Minnesota law is very clear on when a certificate of election can be issued. Neither the governor nor I may sign a certificate of election in the U.S. Senate race until all election contests have reached a final determination,” said Ritchie. “Even if the governor issues a certificate of election prior to the conclusion of the contest phase, I will not sign it.”

Added Pawlenty: “I have a duty to follow state law and our statutes are clear on this issue. I am prohibited from issuing a certificate of election until the election contest in the courts has been resolved.”" -Politico


My Analysis:
So its clear, because Coleman has contested the election and even with his political future at stake Minnesota will only have 1 Senator for several weeks or months. Minnesotans won't be happy with 99 Senators. When Roland Burris gets sworn in later this week, we will be the only State without full representation. Klobuchar is a good Senator to handle the extra services. I see very little chance of Coleman actually winning the seat, so I say bring it on! The fallout on his political future is almost certain. Hes hammering the nails in his own coffin. If the court challenge is what it takes for Coleman to go away, then sure I'll be patient.

Pawlenty leaves Minnesota right when crisis hits

Star Tribune reports - "ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is heading to Europe this weekend.

Pawlenty's office says he flies to Madrid Sunday and on to London on Wednesday as part of a trade mission."

It is nice to know Pawlenty decides to leave the state, right when our economy is hurting. Apparently the projected budget shortfall doesn't mean anything, and a trade mission is in hand. We can spend unsaid amounts of money travelling but can't fund budget priorities. Looks like Pawlenty isn't worried bout job security.