Franken Begins Building Staff as "Sen.-elect"
The Star Tribune reported that Democrat Al Franken has began putting together a Senate office staff, although he has not yet been officially seated as Minnesota’s U.S. Senator.
Franken’s staff announced Monday that he plans to hire Alana Peterson, a longtime DFL activist, as his state director.
Peterson has worked in politics in a variety of roles. Peterson served most recently as political director and state field director for Rep. Jim Oberstar, who is dean of the state's congressional delegation.
Peterson will allow Franken to "hit the ground running on Day One,” Franken said in a press release.
Republicans called this move a “publicity stunt” because Franken has not officially been seated as Senator.
Franken is up 312 votes in most current recount case between Franken and Republican Norm Coleman.