Why Franken Is Kept From Senate Seat

RNC Chairman Michael Steele has voiced his approval for Norm Coleman to fight Al Franken in court forever. (It sure feels like it's been forever.)

No, hell no. Whatever the outcome, it's going to get bumped to the next level. This does not end until there's a final ruling that speaks to whether or not those votes that have not been counted should be counted. And Norm Coleman will not, will not jump out of this race before that.

Many have speculated Steele's real reason to support Coleman's legal battle for Franken's Senate seat is a Politico gem that Coleman will replace Steele as RNC chair. It is only a rumor at this point. A telling comment by Judd Gregg reveals why Republicans have no desire for Franken to take his seat.

“Usually you need 41 votes to get anything done around here. But right now, you can do a lot with 40 votes,’’ said Judd Gregg , R-N.H.

I give Gregg credit for being honest. I don't agree with the Republican Party's platform. I don't expect the GOP to give Obama a honeymoon. Notice Republicans are muted about Obama not being bipartisan. Obama did everything short but group hug Senate Republicans. Unlike Bush, Obama is concerned about public perceptions of being too partisan. Even Rahm Emanuel is being sent out to reach out to moderate Republicans. Emanuel made his political career out of plotting strategy against the GOP. The Republicans can't pull enough Blue Dog Democrats in the House. The only option is the Senate. That explains why the Coleman/Franken legal battle continues ad nauseum.