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President-Elect Obama Discusses An Inauguration For All Americans

2009 Inauguration

President-Elect Obama Discusses an Inauguration for All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, with record crowds expected in the nation's capital for the 56th Presidential Inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama discussed his plans for open and accessible inaugural events designed to allow the participation of Americans across the country.

"Unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington," said President-elect Obama.  "That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day.  Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration, because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation."

President-elect Obama also announced that anyone can text the word "open" to 56333 to receive official Inauguration news updates, transportation notices, and opportunities to participate, both in Washington and in communities across America.

The text of the address, as delivered, is below:President-Elect Obama Discusses an Inauguration for All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, with record crowds expected in the nation's capital for the 56th Presidential Inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama discussed his plans for open and accessible inaugural events designed to allow the participation of Americans across the country.

"Unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington," said President-elect Obama.  "That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day.  Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration, because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation."

President-elect Obama also announced that anyone can text the word "open" to 56333 to receive official Inauguration news updates, transportation notices, and opportunities to participate, both in Washington and in communities across America.

The text of the address, as delivered, is below:

Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, with a simple oath that's marked the renewal of our nation's democracy for more than two centuries; I will take office as the forty-fourth President of the United States.

But this Inauguration isn't about me.  It's about all of us.  At this defining moment in our history, it serves as our opportunity to come together in common purpose, united in our resolve to renew the promise of this nation and meet the challenges of our time.

Now, you've probably heard the reports that unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington.  That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day.

Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration - because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation.

Just text the word "open" to 56333 for news, transportation updates, and ways you can participate.

We're kicking off inaugural week events on Sunday afternoon with a free celebration at the Lincoln Memorial that's open to the public.  And to allow Americans across the country to join us, HBO will broadcast the event for free that evening.

Monday night, Michelle and Jill Biden are hosting a free Kids' Inaugural concert to honor the children of military families, which the Disney Channel will broadcast live on television and their radio network.

On the evening of the Inauguration, Michelle and I will attend the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, and we want you to be right there with us - wherever your neighborhood is.

ABC will broadcast it on television, we'll webcast it on the Internet and post updates from the ballroom, and if you visit pic2009.org, you can even sign up to host your own neighborhood ball at home.

But that's just the beginning when it comes to ways you can get involved.  I'm also asking for your active participation.

Next Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  And to honor the legacy of a man who lived his life as a servant to others, I will ask all Americans to make a renewed commitment to serving their communities and their country.

Dr. King once said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve."  You don't have to wear a uniform.  You don't have to be a community organizer.  You don't even have to run for President.  At a time when there is so much need, we are blessed with endless ways to contribute something to the life of this nation.

On Monday, my family and the Biden family will spend time volunteering in neighborhoods around Washington.  I am asking you to join us in that same spirit of service to others - no matter where you live.

And we've unveiled a new tool to make it easy.

Just visit USAservice.org to find service projects in your community, or even organize your own around the causes you care about.

Log on and you'll see that thousands of events involving millions of Americans have already been set up across the country next Monday and beyond.

Because I'm not just asking you to take part in one day of service.  I am asking you to make a lasting commitment to make better the lives of your fellow Americans - a commitment that must endure beyond one day, or even one presidency.

At this moment of great challenge and great change, I am asking you to play your part; to roll up your sleeves and join in the work of remaking this nation. And if you do, then I truly believe a new and better day is within our reach.

Thank you.


Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, with a simple oath that's marked the renewal of our nation's democracy for more than two centuries; I will take office as the forty-fourth President of the United States.

But this Inauguration isn't about me.  It's about all of us.  At this defining moment in our history, it serves as our opportunity to come together in common purpose, united in our resolve to renew the promise of this nation and meet the challenges of our time.

Now, you've probably heard the reports that unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington.  That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day.

Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration - because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation.

Just text the word "open" to 56333 for news, transportation updates, and ways you can participate.

We're kicking off inaugural week events on Sunday afternoon with a free celebration at the Lincoln Memorial that's open to the public.  And to allow Americans across the country to join us, HBO will broadcast the event for free that evening.

Monday night, Michelle and Jill Biden are hosting a free Kids' Inaugural concert to honor the children of military families, which the Disney Channel will broadcast live on television and their radio network.

On the evening of the Inauguration, Michelle and I will attend the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, and we want you to be right there with us - wherever your neighborhood is.

ABC will broadcast it on television, we'll webcast it on the Internet and post updates from the ballroom, and if you visit pic2009.org, you can even sign up to host your own neighborhood ball at home.

But that's just the beginning when it comes to ways you can get involved.  I'm also asking for your active participation.

Next Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  And to honor the legacy of a man who lived his life as a servant to others, I will ask all Americans to make a renewed commitment to serving their communities and their country.

Dr. King once said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve."  You don't have to wear a uniform.  You don't have to be a community organizer.  You don't even have to run for President.  At a time when there is so much need, we are blessed with endless ways to contribute something to the life of this nation.

On Monday, my family and the Biden family will spend time volunteering in neighborhoods around Washington.  I am asking you to join us in that same spirit of service to others - no matter where you live.

And we've unveiled a new tool to make it easy.

Just visit USAservice.org to find service projects in your community, or even organize your own around the causes you care about.

Log on and you'll see that thousands of events involving millions of Americans have already been set up across the country next Monday and beyond.

Because I'm not just asking you to take part in one day of service.  I am asking you to make a lasting commitment to make better the lives of your fellow Americans - a commitment that must endure beyond one day, or even one presidency.

At this moment of great challenge and great change, I am asking you to play your part; to roll up your sleeves and join in the work of remaking this nation. And if you do, then I truly believe a new and better day is within our reach.

Thank you.

Posted by Mike on January 14, 2009 | Permalink

Tags: Barack Obama, Inauguration

Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) Announces Additional Information About Schedule Of Official Inaugural Events

2009 Inauguration

PIC Announces Additional Information about Schedule of Official Inaugural Events

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced additional details regarding the schedule of official public events for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

In keeping with President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden's commitment to hold the most open and accessible inauguration in history, the schedule of official public events will allow more Americans than ever to come together in the spirit of unity and shared purpose.

The following events will take place in Washington, DC between Sunday, January 18 and Wednesday, January 21:

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial, between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW on 23rd Street

Doors open: 8:00 AM EST

Event begins: 2:30 PM EST

This event is free and open to the public.

Public gates open at 8:00 AM at the following locations:

- Public Entry A: Constitution Avenue at 19th Street

- Public Entry B: Constitution Avenue at Virginia Avenue

- Public Entry C: 17th Street at North Elm Walk

- Public Entry D: 17th Street at South Elm Walk

- Public Entry E: Independence Avenue at the DC War Memorial

The Reflecting Pool area, JFK Hockey Fields and Constitution Gardens are open to the public and space will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Restricted items for the Lincoln Memorial grounds for the Inaugural Opening Ceremonies:

- Firearms

- Ammunition

- Explosives

- Weapons of any kind

- Aerosols

- Supports for signs

- Packages

- Coolers

- Thermal or glass containers

- Backpacks

- Bags and signs exceeding the size restrictions of 6"X4"X8"

- Laser pointers

- Animals other than helper/guide dogs

- Structures

- Bicycles

- Any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard


MONDAY, JANUARY 19

Renew America Together: A Call to Service
On Monday, the President-elect, Vice President-elect, and their families - just like Americans in communities across the country - will participate in activities dedicated to serving others.

To find out more about "Renew America Together" or find a service event near you, please visit USAservice.org.

Community Service Day Lunch
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.

Please visit www.pic2009.org for updates.

Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future
The Verizon Center

Doors open: 5:00 PM EST

Event begins: 7:00 PM EST

Please visit www.pic2009.org for updates.

Bipartisan Dinners
Each of the three bipartisan dinners will honor an American whose lifetime of public service has been enhanced by a dedication to bipartisan achievement.

National Building Museum
Honoree: General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)

Event begins: 5:00 PM EST

This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.

Hilton Washington
Honoree: Senator John McCain

Event begins: 5:00 PM EST

This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.

Union Station
Honoree: Vice President-elect Joe Biden

Event begins: 6:30 PM EST

This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

The Swearing-In Ceremony
United States Capitol, West Front

Event begins: 11:30 AM EST

No tickets are required to view the Inaugural Ceremony on the National Mall west of 4th Street.

We anticipate large crowds. As such, we strongly encourage you to visit the official Presidential Inaugural Committee at www.pic2009.org for updates, directions and additional information regarding transportation and pedestrian routes. Text the word "open" to 56333 to receive official Inauguration news updates, transportation notices, and ways you can participate, whether they're in Washington or in your own community.

Inaugural Luncheon
United States Capitol

Following the swearing-in ceremony, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, and members of their families will attend an inaugural luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

This event is not open to the public. Please contact the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies at 202-244-2228 for more information.

Inaugural Parade
Pennsylvania Avenue

Event begins: While there is no official start time for the parade, it traditionally begins around 2:30 PM EST

The majority of the parade route will be free and open to the public for standing room access. Viewing spots along the parade route are available on a first come, first serve basis. A limited number of bleacher seats were available for sale but have sold out.

Official Inaugural Balls
A ticket is required for admission to each ball.

Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall D
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST

Event begins: 7:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 10:30 PM EST

President Obama Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall E
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST

Event begins: 7:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 11:30 PM EST

Commander-in-Chief's Ball
National Building Museum
Doors open: 5:30 PM EST

Event begins: 7:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 12:00 midnight

Vice President Biden Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Ballroom
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST

Event begins: 8:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 11:30 PM EST

Mid-Atlantic Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall A
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST

Event begins: 8:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 12:30 AM EST

Midwestern Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall C
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST

Event begins: 8:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 1:30 AM EST

Western Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall B
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST

Event begins: 8:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 1:00 AM EST

Youth Ball
Hilton Washington
Doors open: 7:00 PM EST

Event begins: 9:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 2:30 AM EST

Eastern Ball
Union Station
Doors open: 8:00 PM EST

Event begins: 10:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 2:30 AM EST

Southern Ball
DC Armory
Doors open: 8:00 PM EST

Event begins: 10:00 PM EST

Event concludes: approximately 2:00 AM EST

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21

National Prayer Service
Washington National Cathedral

The morning after the inauguration, a National Prayer Service with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, and members of their families will be held at the National Cathedral. The service will bring together dignitaries and Americans of diverse faiths to celebrate the previous day's events through prayer, readings, and musical performances.

Doors Open: 7:30 AM EST

All ticketed guests should arrive before 8:30 AM EST.

This event is not open to the public. The service is by invitation only and tickets are required.

For the latest information for all official inaugural events, please visit www.pic2009.org.

Posted by Mike on January 14, 2009 | Permalink

Tags: Barack Obama, Inauguration, President

Joint Session To Count Electoral College Votes, Thursday, January 8, 2009

COUNTING ELECTORAL VOTES--JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE HELD PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1 -- (House of Representatives - January 08, 2009)

[Page: H75]  GPO's PDF
---At 1:01 p.m., the Majority Floor Services Chief, Barry Sullivan, announced the Vice President and the Senate of the United States.

The Senate entered the Hall of the House of Representatives, headed by the Vice President and the Secretary of the Senate, the Members and officers of the House rising to receive them.

The Vice President took his seat as the Presiding Officer of the joint convention of the two Houses, the Speaker of the House occupying the chair on his left. Senators took seats to the right of the rostrum as prescribed by law.

The joint session was called to order by the Vice President.

The VICE PRESIDENT. Madam Speaker and Members of Congress, pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the United States, the Senate and House of Representatives are meeting in joint session to verify the certificates and count the votes of the electors of the several States for President and Vice President of the United States.

After ascertainment has been had that the certificates are authentic and correct in form, the tellers will count and make a list of the votes cast by the electors of the several States.

The tellers on the part of the two Houses will take their places at the clerk's desk.

The tellers, Mr. Schumer and Mr. Bennett on the part of the Senate, and

[Page: H76]  GPO's PDFMr. Brady of Pennsylvania and Mr. Daniel E. Lungren of California on the part of the House, took their places at the desk.
The VICE PRESIDENT. Without objection, the tellers will dispense with reading formal portions of the certificates. After ascertaining that certificates are regular in form and authentic, the tellers will announce the votes cast by the electors for each State, beginning with Alabama.

The tellers then proceeded to read, count, and announce the electoral votes of the several States in alphabetical order.

The VICE PRESIDENT. Members of Congress, the certificates having been read, the tellers will ascertain and deliver the result to the President of the Senate.

The tellers delivered to the President of the Senate the following statement of results:

JOINT SESSION TO COUNT ELECTORAL VOTES, THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2009

Electoral votes of each State President   VP  
  Barack Obama John McCain Joseph Biden Sarah Palin
         
Alabama--9    9    9 
Alaska--3    3    3 
Arizona--10    10    10 
Arkansas--6    6    6 
California--55  55    55   
Colorado--9  9    9   
Connecticut--7  7    7   
Delaware--3  3    3   
District of Columbia--3  3    3   
Florida--27  27    27   
Georgia--15    15    15 
Hawaii--4  4    4   
Idaho--4    4    4 
Illinois--21  21    21   
Indiana--11  11    11   
Iowa--7  7    7   
Kansas--6    6    6 
Kentucky--8    8    8 
Louisiana--9    9    9 
Maine--4  4    4   
Maryland--10  10    10   
Massachusetts--12  12    12   
Michigan--17  17    17   
Minnesota--10  10    10   
Mississippi--6    6    6 
Missouri--11    11    11 
Montana--3    3    3 
Nebraska--5  1  4  1  4 
Nevada--5  5    5   
New Hampshire--4  4    4   
New Jersey--15  15    15   
New Mexico--5  5    5   
New York--31  31    31   
North Carolina--15  15    15   
North Dakota--3    3    3 
Ohio--20  20    20   
Oklahoma--7    7    7 
Oregon--7  7    7   
Pennsylvania--21  21    21   
Rhode Island--4  4    4   
South Carolina--8    8    8 
South Dakota--3    3    3 
Tennessee--11    11    11 
Texas--34    34    34 
Utah--5    5    5 
Vermont--3  3    3   
Virginia--13  13    13   
Washington--11  11    11   
West Virginia--5    5    5 
Wisconsin--10  10    10   
Wyoming--3    3   3
Total--538  365 173 365 173

Charles E. Schumer,

Robert F. Bennett,

Tellers on the part of the Senate.

Robert A. Brady of Pennsylvania,

Daniel E. Lungren of California,

Tellers on the part of the House of Representatives.

The VICE PRESIDENT. The state of the vote for President of the United States, as delivered to the President of the Senate, is as follows:

The whole number of the electors appointed to vote for President of the United States is 538, of which a majority is 270.

Barack Obama of the State of Illinois has received for President of the United States 365 votes.

John McCain of the State of Arizona has received 173 votes.

The state of the vote for Vice President of the United States, as delivered to the President of the Senate, is as follows:

The whole number of the electors appointed to vote for Vice President of the United States is 538, of which a majority is 270.

Joe Biden of the State of Delaware has received for Vice President of the United States 365 votes.

Sarah Palin of the State of Alaska has received 173 votes.

This announcement of the state of the vote by the President of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected President and Vice President of the United States each for the term beginning on the 20th day of January, 2009, and shall be entered, together with the list of the votes, on the Journals of the Senate and House of Representatives.

The purpose of the joint session having been concluded, pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, 111th Congress, the Chair declares the joint session dissolved.

(Thereupon, at 1 o'clock and 36 minutes p.m., the joint session of the two Houses of Congress dissolved.)

The SPEAKER. Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, 111th Congress, the electoral vote will be spread at large upon the Journal.

Posted by Mike on January 08, 2009 | Permalink

2008 Electoral College Map

2008 Electoral College Map

Posted by Mike on January 08, 2009 | Permalink

Tags: 2008, Barack Obama, Electoral College, John McCain, Map

President Bush Welcomes President-Elect Obama, Former President Clinton, Former President Bush And Former President Carter To The White House

President Bush Welcomes President-Elect Obama, Former President Clinton, Former President Bush and Former President Carter to the White House

Oval Office

12:00 P.M. EST

PRESIDENT BUSH: I want to thank the President-elect for joining the ex-Presidents for lunch. And one message that I have and I think we all share is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country. And to the extent we can, we look forward to sharing our experiences with you. All of us who have served in this office understand that the office transcends the individual. And we wish you all the very best. And so does the country.

President-elect Obama with former Presidents Bush (41), Carter and Clinton and current President Bush at the WHite House on Jan. 7, 2009 (Photo by Pete Souza)

PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: Thank you.

I just want to thank the President for hosting us. This is an extraordinary gathering. All the gentlemen here understand both the pressures and possibilities of this office. And for me to have the opportunity to get advice, good counsel and fellowship with these individuals is extraordinary. And I'm very grateful to all of them.

But, again, thank you, Mr. President, for hosting us.

END 12:02 P.M. EST

President George W. Bush meets with former Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter and President-elect Barack Obama Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 in the Oval Office of the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper

Posted by Mike on January 07, 2009 | Permalink

Tags: Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Jimmy Carter, President Bush, White House

A Statement From Senator Norm Coleman

A STATEMENT FROM SENATOR NORM COLEMAN

ST. PAUL – Senator Norm Coleman today issued the following statement at a news conference in St. Paul:

Our Declaration of Independence states that government "derives its just powers from the consent of the governed.”  Our government of laws is only as just as the elections that determine who make the decisions that affect us all.  So we all have responsibility to make sure each vote counts in every election so the purity of democracy in our nation can be preserved and enhanced on our watch.

On November 4, 2008, nearly 3 million Minnesotans cast their votes for the United States Senate.  The vast majority of those votes were clear and validly cast.  Obviously, it was an extremely close vote, so Minnesota law required an automatic hand recount.

I want to express my deep appreciation to all of the election officials and volunteers who helped to make this election successful. I also want to thank the hundreds and hundreds of people who have been involved in this recount process for their work during a busy family time of the year for doing the work to get us to this point in the process.

But in the wisdom of Minnesota’s excellent election law, the local recount actions to date and those of the canvassing board are steps in the process of reaching a clear and unambiguous result all the people can accept as final.  But as of today, not every valid vote has been counted and some have been counted twice.

So today I am announcing that I’ve instructed my legal team to file an election contest according to Minnesota law. Until these issues are settled, any attempt to seat someone who is not properly certified ignores the law, violates Senate precedent and usurps the will of the people of Minnesota.

There are several vital issues that must be resolved for the sake of this and future elections. Let me be very specific.

When double counted votes are included in a recount, an accurate and valid count cannot be obtained. When there are more votes counted in a single precinct than votes cast on the night of the election, an accurate and valid count cannot be obtained. When hundreds, if not thousands, of absentee ballots were wrongly rejected and still not included in the recount, an accurate and valid count cannot been obtained.

We are filing this contest to be absolutely sure that every valid vote was counted and no one’s voted was counted more than anyone else’s.  The only way to do that is to guarantee that clear standards were applied fairly and uniformly throughout every single precinct of this state.

Under Minnesota Law there can be no valid election certificate issued if an election contest is filed.  An election contest is the exact remedy the law provides to ensure that this recount and the associated inconsistencies that come with it are properly examined and properly resolved.

That’s what the Supreme Court said when it ruled the wrongly rejected absentee ballots that have still not been counted should be part of a contest.  And it’s what members of the Canvassing Board communicated when they said they did not have the power in a recount to deal with the double counting of original and duplicate ballots.

While I understand there is a desire by a small number of people to simply move on, something greater than expediency is at stake here.  As Americans we believe that every valid vote should count and that everybody’s vote is equally to everyone else's.

Democracy is not a machine.  It’s run by people working to obey the law as best they can.   Sometimes it’s messy and inconvenient, and reaching the best conclusion is never quick because speed is not the first objective:  fairness is. I’ve directed my team to move as quickly as possible to resolve these issues.  But we will not permit the full process to be shortcut.  That would only cast greater doubt and uncertainty over the final result.

A six year term is a long, long time.  Crucial decisions will be made during that period on the economy, national security and the rights of all Americans.  Minnesotans deserve 100% confidence that their Senator was fairly elected by all the people.

Speaking personally for just a moment: it has been an enormous privilege for me and my family to be involved in serving the people of Minnesota for over 30 years, the last six in the United State Senate. I hope to keep doing so.  I have been humbled by the privilege given to me, but I want to make it clear: nobody is indispensible.  It’s the will of the people that really matters.

This is not just about me.  The eyes of the nation are on the state that   we love and we need to show them that Minnesota has done everything we can to make sure that we protect every voter’s right.  At this moment, I may not have a working office in D.C. or in St. Paul, but I still have my voice in Minnesota, and I certainly plan to use it.

We need to get this right for all of us:  a true, accurate and valid result of the Minnesota United States Senate Recount so all Minnesotans can have a Senator with the full credibility to lead and serve.

Thank you and God bless.

Posted by Mike on January 06, 2009 | Permalink

RNC Statement On Minnesota Election Contest

RNC STATEMENT ON MINNESOTA ELECTION CONTEST

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement tonight.

“Minnesota law reads that an election contest – not Harry Reid – should decide the winner of a contested election.  The efforts of Al Franken, Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer to steal this election and seat Al Franken despite not having an election certificate are unprecedented.

“When elections are being decided by double-counted votes and double standards in the treatment of absentee ballots, there must be a remedy to get an accurate and valid vote total – that remedy is an election contest.  That is the law of Minnesota enacted by the people of Minnesota.  The people of Minnesota deserve to see their laws followed. 

“I am confident that if the law is followed, Norm Coleman will be taking his rightful seat in the U.S. Senate.”

Posted by Mike on January 05, 2009 | Permalink

NRSC Chairman: Minnesota Law and Senate Rules Must Be Respected

NRSC Chairman: Minnesota Law and Senate Rules Must Be Respected

 WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), made the following statement today in response to reports that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) may seek to disregard Minnesota law, as well as circumvent the rules of the U.S. Senate, and attempt to seat Democrat Al Franken as the junior Senator from Minnesota on Tuesday.

“The rules of the U.S. Senate state very clearly that any new Senator must present a certificate of election or appointment signed by both his/her home state Governor and Secretary of State. In fact, this is the very rule Senator Reid’s office has publicly cited in refusing to seat Mr. Burris from Illinois. 

“Further, the laws of the State of Minnesota state that no certificate can be awarded until all legal challenges are resolved, which is far from the case currently in the Minnesota Senate race. It’s clear that numerous Minnesotans have been wrongly disenfranchised by a flawed recount process and the Coleman campaign has every right to contest the Canvassing Board’s decision, as they should.

“So if Senator Reid seeks to seat Al Franken without a certificate of election, he will be telling the people of Minnesota, and all Americans for that matter, that rules and laws can be ignored whenever he sees fit or whenever it’s politically convenient for Senate Democrats.  This would send a terrible signal to all Americans who are rightfully expecting this new Congress to work together in a bipartisan manner. 

“I sincerely hope that Senator Reid does not go down this path.  I hope that he adheres to the Senate’s rules and allows the people of Minnesota to decide this Senate race.  Minnesota voter’s choices and Minnesota’s laws must be respected. 

“If Senator Reid chooses to ignore both, then I expect Republicans will stand in the way of his desire to play kingmaker in deciding the next Senator from Minnesota.”

Posted by Mike on January 05, 2009 | Permalink

Statement From Coleman For Senate Counsel Tony Trimble

STATEMENT FROM COLEMAN FOR SENATE COUNSEL TONY TRIMBLE

ST. PAUL - Coleman for Senate Counsel Tony Trimble today issued the following statement:

The actions today by the Canvassing Board are but the first step in what, unfortunately, will now have to be a longer process.  This process isn’t at the end; it is now just at the beginning. We will contest the results of the Canvassing Board -- otherwise, literally millions of Minnesotans will be disenfranchised.

While we appreciate the effort of this board to do the work, the reality is that any certification of vote totals at this point is only preliminary.  As this Canvassing Board has recognized, there still exist serious problems with inconsistencies in the administrative recount, and therefore in the validity and reliability of the numbers certified today.  There can be no count that is accurate or valid when 654 potentially valid absentee votes remain disenfranchised and when some votes are counted twice – leading to a violation of one of the most sacred principles of our constitution – “One person, One vote.”

And, there can be no justification to report out a total when 133 votes were included in a count where there are not ballots to support them.  Or when a batch of votes were not counted on Election Night, but were miraculously “found” during the recount and included. 

If the Canvassing Board had resolved all these issues, then the process might be completed.  But the Board has deferred the resolution of those issues for the contest phase provided for in Minnesota law.  Since the process is far from complete, there can be no confidence in the current results of the United States Senate Recount, and we will file a contest within the next 24 hours to promptly correct those problems and inaccuracies.  The Supreme Court ruling today also emphasizes that that’s what we must do to provide an accurate count for this election.

Senator Coleman is adamant that we not wait a moment longer than necessary to ensure that the election be completed with accuracy and validity – and most importantly, without disenfranchising Minnesota voters or having a cloud remain over the results.

The utter lack of uniformity in the treatment of rejected absentee ballots, resulting in the disenfranchising of voters, is perhaps the most troublesome aspect of the recount. Similar ballots were treated differently by different counties.  This creates an Equal Protection violation that fatally taints any result that includes these ballots. This was precisely what the Minnesota Supreme Court order said to avoid.

Unfortunately, with this announcement today, numerous Minnesotans will be wrongly disenfranchised because their votes are not counted.  Mr. Franken and his campaign for purely political reasons no longer want to “count all the votes”.  And, it is with great disappointment that we’ve seen senior members of the Secretary of State’s Office contributing to the process being broken.  When senior members of the Secretary of State’s office, charged with ensuring a fair and balanced process, engage in acts which undermine that neutrality, all of us must be concerned.

The fact is the Canvassing Board’s current totals are invalid and unreliable because:

·Original and Duplicate ballots have been double counted – even members of the Canvassing Board acknowledge this is a serious issue, yet nothing was resolved – instead, double counted votes were simply added to their recount totals.

·Newly Discovered ballots, which appeared for the first time during the recount and are included in the Canvassing Board totals without proper reconciliation to the number of voters signed into the precincts on Election Day.

·Missing Ballots supposedly tallied on election night that could not be found during the recount process are included in the Canvassing Board count contrary to Minnesota precedent.

·And again, an inconsistent treatment of challenged ballots – an inconsistent treatment of wrongfully rejected absentee ballots – and an inconsistent treatment of the campaign by the very office charged with coordinating this recount simply results in a process that is broken.

The recount was supposed to be a recount – fair and reasoned – and one that would retain the credibility of the outcome of this election. However, it ceased being that the day that duplicate ballots and “missing ballots” were included in the count, and simply became more and more broken each and every day.

We had hoped that the board would refrain from reporting out with unanimity a recount total today. Since that did not happen, we will file an election contest within the next 24 hours. It will be based upon the issues I have outlined, as well as the lack of inclusion of 654 additional ballots that we believe should be a part of this recount and the very serious issue of included double counted votes that disenfranchises Minnesotans.

Our goal and obligation should be to get an accurate and valid vote as quickly as possible, and that is our reason for acting with urgency.  Minnesotans ought to be able to expect that an accurate and valid recount would have ensured two United States Senators from Minnesota tomorrow.  However, because the process is broken that will not happen.

Posted by Mike on January 05, 2009 | Permalink

DFL Party Congratulates Al Franken On Victory In Senate Race

DFL Party Congratulates Al Franken on Victory in Senate Race
Party calls for full representation for Minnesota in Senate

St. Paul (January 5, 2009) — After the State Canvassing Board certified this afternoon that Al Franken received more votes in the November 4, 2008 general election than former Senator Norm Coleman, the Minnesota DFL Party released this statement from Chair Brian Melendez and Associate Chair Donna Cassutt:

“We heartily congratulate Senator-elect Franken on his election to the Senate, now that the final tally has been certified and shows that that he received the most votes. We are also happy for Minnesotans, who are gaining in Al Franken a senator who will fight day in and day out alongside President-elect Obama for real change in Washington and real relief for the middle class.

“The recount has been run with exemplary fairness, transparency and integrity — and now it has run its course. Minnesotans, who can be proud of the process that concluded today, are ready to put the hard-fought election behind them and put our elected officials, including Senator-elect Franken, to work in solving the many crises that face our new president and our nation.

“Now that Al Franken has been certified the winner of the Senate race, it would be unfair to Minnesotans for him not to be seated as soon as possible, especially at this critical time. Minnesotans have a right to full representation in the United States Senate and have a right to expect that Al Franken, the clear winner of the Senate race, will be seated as soon as possible. We deserve no less and can afford no less.”

Posted by Mike on January 05, 2009 | Permalink

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