from http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMpTmr96V5hKIfyHT4Av4jsVQgrQD95F5BIG1
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The top Senate Republican said his caucus would block any attempt to seat Democrat Al Franken until an anticipated court case over Minnesota's close election is finished and an official election certificate is conferred.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn said Friday that Republicans would object to seating the race leader Franken sooner. A filibuster would require 60 votes to break — a few more than Democrats currently hold in Washington.
Franken holds a 49-vote lead over incumbant Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, pending the resolution of the absentee ballots. Franken's campaign has declined to say whether he would try to take his seat immediately if the canvassing board certifies him the winner.
Senate Democrats have not indicated what they would do if Franken's lead over Coleman holds up after the recount ends.
The loser can appeal the recount result in court.
Cornyn's threat means it is probable that Minnesota will have only one senator when the new Congress convenes on Tuesday. A court challenge and possible appeals could keep it that way for several months.
Coleman's term expires at noon EST on Saturday.
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