Senate committee officials order Coleman's offices shut - Staffers told to take a hike

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/37098269.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvckD_V_jEyhD:UiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Staffers reported for work in Washington, but the offices of the senator, whose term ended Saturday, were ordered closed at mid-day.

By Kevin Diaz , Star Tribune

Last update: January 5, 2009 - 4:59 PM

WASHINGTON -- The doors to Norm Coleman's Senate offices were locked this morning at the direction of Senate rules committee officials who declared his term expired.

"They can't carry on Senate business," said Howard Gantman, staff director for the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.

Coleman, in a statement issued at mid-day, said "without question this is a unique situation in the history of the Senate, and specifics are still being determined as to the future of the Senate office."

Although the Minnesota Republican's term ended at noon Eastern time on Saturday, a Washington staff of about 20 reported to work this morning, performing what one staffer termed "constituent service."

Shortly before noon, however, Coleman staffers were directed to close their offices in St. Paul and on the third floor of the Hart Office Building near the U.S. Capitol. By the lunch hour, the doors were locked, though the lights were left on. Nobody answered a knock on the door.

Callers to the Capitol Hill office were greeted by a recording saying "Thank you for contacting Norm Coleman's office. No one is available to answer your call right now. Please leave a message."

[tosh]

1. Cool...

:evilgrin:

[bigtree]

2. enter the Al Franken decade

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. ok..Almost makes up for Reid's failure to support Franken.

Bet ole Coleman didn't see this one coming.

[NNN0LHI]

4. "constituent service." means shredding documents I think

[malaise]

5. You lost Coleman

Get over it.