Franken-Coleman Recount Update, 01/05/09 (Afternoon Edition): Canvassing Board Certifies Al Franken as the Winner

Two things happened today that surprised absolutely no one:  The Minnesota Supreme Court smacked down Norm Coleman’s effort to add 654 extra alleged fifth-pile ballots to the recount, and, at 2:36 pm Central Standard Time, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board officially certified Al Franken as the winner of the 2008 Senate race.   There’s a seven-day period before Tim Pawlenty can sign the certificate, but assuming there are no open contests or court filings, that could happen this time next week.

Now, Norm Coleman could do the honorable thing and concede.  Or, he could file a contest and blow some more money on Tony Trimble and Fritz Knaak.   Since the smart money on Republicans is that they never do the honorable thing, and since John Cornyn wants to shove the Senate door in Al’s face tomorrow, the guess is that Coleman will contest — and lose.  Sure enough, Coleman attorney Fritz Knaak reared up on his hind legs and threatened that a contest was now "inevitable".  

But even as Fritz Knaak was being Mister Big Ol’ Tough Guy, something curious was happening at what used to be Coleman’s Senate office on the Hill: 

The doors to Norm Coleman’s Senate offices were locked this morning at the direction of Senate rules committee officials who declared his term expired.

"They can’t carry on Senate business," said Howard Gantman, staff director for the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.

Your move, Norm.