Blunt, whose father is U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt of Missouri and the new House majority whip, is scheduled to certify the results at 1 p.m. Thursday in his state Capitol office.
If the Senate already has adjourned, Talent actually could become a senator more quickly. His term would begin when the certification occurs in Missouri -- not when the paperwork is received in Washington, said Richard Baker, the U.S. Senate historian.
``Once the Senate adjourns, the appointed senator's term comes to an end, and Mr. Talent becomes Senator Talent,'' Baker said. ``He can be sworn in by any official who is entitled to give an oath the day after the Senate adjourns.''