Sen.-elect Scott Brown (R-MA) sent a letter today to the Massachusetts governor and secretary of state, demanding the election be certified right away so he can be sworn in to the U.S. Senate tomorrow afternoon.
In the letter, Brown’s lawyers say he wants the election certified no later than 11 a.m. tomorrow so Brown can be sworn in tomorrow afternoon.
“While Senator-elect Brown had tentatively planned to be sworn into office on February 11, he has been advised that there are a number of votes scheduled prior to that date,” the letter reads. “For that reason, he wants certification to occur immediately.”
A spokeswoman for Gov. Deval Patrick’s office said the office is aware of the letter but could not immediately comment. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s office declined to comment.
Brown said last week he expected to be sworn in Feb. 11 and was comfortable with that date.
“Scott appreciates that both President Obama and Majority Leader Reid have said that no major action will be taken on health care until he is sworn and seated,” Brown’s campaign manager said at the time.
In Massachusetts, the governor and a governor’s council certify election results after receiving them from all the cities and towns. Senate leadership has said Brown won’t be sworn in until they receive that official certification.
A spokesman for Brown could not immediately be reached for comment.
Late update: A spokeswoman for the governor says the governor’s council will convene at 9:30 a.m. to certify the election results.
“This will ensure that Senator-elect Brown’s request to receive the final paperwork by 11:00 a.m. tomorrow is fulfilled,” the spokeswoman said in a statement.
Now the timing is up to Senate leadership and Vice President Biden, who performs Senate swearings-in.
Late late update: Nothing’s definite yet, but a Senate leadership aide tells TPM that Brown could indeed be sworn in as early as tomorrow afternoon.
