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The critical task of picking a
three-judge panel to hear a lawsuit over Minnesota's contested
Senate race won't be made by the Supreme Court's chief justice.

      A court spokesman says Chief Justice Eric Magnuson is delegating
the decision to Justice Alan Page, the court member with the most
seniority. Magnuson didn't give a reason for his recusal, but he
served on the state board that determined Democrat Al Franken got
more votes than Republican Norm Coleman.

      The shift is noteworthy because of Magnuson's background. He was
appointed by Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and aided social
conservatives while an appellate lawyer.

      Page has been on the court since he was elected in a 1992
nonpartisan race. He has been mentioned before as a possible
Democratic candidate for political office.

Gallery

The critical task of picking a
three-judge panel to hear a lawsuit over Minnesota's contested
Senate race won't be made by the Supreme Court's chief justice.


Top justice won't pick Minn. Senate lawsuit judges

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