Skip to content

Reid Gives Franken Seats for Inauguration

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has finally decided to seat comedian Al Franken (D) — on the National Mall that is. Franken and his wife, Franni, have secured prime bleacher tickets to watch President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on Tuesday, courtesy of Reid and Senate Democrats. But according to an aide, Franken will not be seated with the rest of the U.S. Senate watching the ceremony. Franken leads Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) by 225 votes after a statewide recount — a result that Coleman’s campaign is contesting in court. The three-judge trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 26, although Franken’s campaign has filed another legal suit asking the state to certify his win so that he can be seated provisionally in the Senate earlier than that. But while legal teams prepare their cases in Minnesota, Franken was in Washington, D.C., this weekend enjoying the inaugural festivities — including hosting a high-dollar fundraiser with Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir at the Willard Hotel downtown. Franken also stopped by the Democratic National Committee party and plans to attend the Minnesota State Society reception Tuesday at the Rayburn House Office Building. Coleman is scheduled to travel to Washington later this week.

Recent Stories

Trump’s 100th day: Defiance, bold claims, tariff tough talk — and a Hegseth hedge

Remember when Democrats couldn’t win?

Capitol Lens | George Watch-ington

Trump to give carmakers tariff break on vehicles finished in US

100 days in, Trump’s moves to overhaul election law get pushback from courts, Democrats

Low-income housing credit bill back in the mix for tax package