Coleman to stay course vs. Franken

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 8 (UPI) -- Supporters of Minnesota Republican Norm Coleman say a decision by the state's governor to forgo re-election won't influence Coleman's U.S. Senate lawsuit.

Speculation was mounting in St. Paul and elsewhere that Gov. Tim Pawlenty's decision not to seek a third term in 2010 -- perhaps to seek the 2012 Republican U.S. presidential nomination -- means Coleman is planning to end his legal battle with Democrat Al Franken to overturn his recount loss in November's Senate race and instead run to replace Pawlenty.

But unnamed Coleman sources say that's not the case, the Washington publication Politico reported Monday.

"Not at all," said the source. "He ran for U.S. senator, wants to continue being a U.S. senator. … What (Pawlenty) has done or not done has never been a factor in his decision-making."

"I do not think he will quit before the (U.S.) Supreme Court rules on the case," added an unnamed former Coleman staffer. "He has too many resources invested and has a good case on equal protection."

Coleman's case to overturn Franken's apparent 312-vote win is being considered by the Minnesota Supreme Court.