[mathluv]

I agree that the dims would have tried to get the extra two months out of Mondale if he had won. Regardless of state law allowing the appointment of the winner in MN, federal law has precident over state law. Coleman can not be sworn in until Jan.

[calenel]

"Coleman can not be sworn in until Jan."

The MN law says that the winner succeeds to the remainder of the vacated term, not that the new term is extended backwards. They are two separate terms, one filled by election, and one filled by appointment mandated by the law. The law is quite clear in making the distinction between the two terms. It simply mandates that a specific person - the newly elected Senator - be the person to finish the current vacated term. There is no conflict with the Constitution. Coleman could take his seat on the 19th of this month, resign the 20th, and take his seat for the next term in Jan.