So if the Minnesota recount isn't settled by Jan. 6, the date that the new Senators will be sworn in, will the state be stuck with only one Senator until the mess is finally sorted out?

It now appears likely that the answer to that is yes, the Star Tribune reports, after Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's office looked into the possibility of making an interim appointment.

A Pawlenty spokesman told the paper, "it appears the governor only has the authority to appoint in the case of a permanent vacancy and this situation likely wouldn't apply."