Senator Barkley?

[Lunar]

ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is quietly looking into whether he will need to step into the lingering battle between Republican incumbent Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken in the nation’s only remaining unresolved U.S. Senate race.

The Republican governor’s spokesman, Brian McClung, told CNN Thursday that the governor’s office has asked the general counsel to Pawlenty “to begin looking into … what might trigger the need for a gubernatorial appointment to the U.S. Senate.”

While the recount continues — now more than six weeks after the election — the possibility that a winner will not be declared by the congressional swearing in on January 6 becomes greater and greater.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

His most likely pick is former State Auditor Pat Anderson, who was defeated in 2006. She isn't doing anything now to my knowledge, unlike former Sec of State Mary Kiffmeyer, now elected to a far right State House seat. The only other option in state government is his Lt. Gov., who probably has unfavorables higher than both Coleman AND Franken and obviously he won't appoint someone like Bachmann. Unlikely it'll come to that though.

[Lunar]

He might not exactly want to appoint an obvious Republican since it could seem unjust if Franken wins...

No clue though.  I just think it'd be hilarious if Barkley gets another appointment

[Verily]

I suspect he would just appoint Coleman. But the appointment would presumably only last until the election results were certified, anyway.

[Keystone Phil]

I thought about this happening mostly as a joke though. I doubt he'd appoint Coleman. I have a feeling that that wouldn't go over well with a lot of people.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

That's why it'd have to be Anderson. Someone important who wouldn't have to resign their spot for a worthless few week job. Maybe an ex-State Rep or Senator who was defeated too I guess.

[SPC]

Maybe Pawlenty will appoint himself.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Eh, just keep the seat vacant, but the winner should be given retroactive seniority to the beginning of the term.

[Lief 🗽]

Why can't he just keep the seat vacant? Doesn't make much sense to appoint a Senator for a week or two.

[Lunar]

Why can't he just keep the seat vacant? Doesn't make much sense to appoint a Senator for a week or two.

T. Paw and most governors power trip in such situations.