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Contested Minnesota U.S. Senate seatJuly 2, 2009 Wrap, suggested lead: After nearly eight months, Minnesota finally has a second U.S. senator, Democrat Al Franken. As Mark Schwerin reports, the outcome of the long legal battle strengthens the Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate. (0:58/Schwerin/STD) Franken's victory conceivably gives the Democrats 60 votes in the Senate. And that's enough to halt a stalling tactic known as the filibuster, says Dr. John Clark, a WMU professor of political science. (:33/Clark.......................................................the filibuster.) Clark says, however, that it will be hard for Democrats to muster the 60 votes needed to stop debate. From Western Michigan University, I'm Mark Schwerin. Actualities: CUT ONE: Clark says on a contentious issue like health care, it will be hard for Democrats to get 60 votes in favor of one plan. (:40/Clark....................................................the legislation.) CUT TWO: Clark says the problem of amassing 60 votes is compounded by two Democratic senators being very ill and two others who are actually independents. (:41/Clark......................................................going to agree.) CUT THREE: Clark says the disputed election in Minnesota draws attention to the counting of absentee ballots. (:39/Clark..............................................and so forth.) For additional comments or an interview with Clark, call
(269) 387-5620. WMU Radio News Service Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 269 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu |