111th Congress still awaits two appointments.

At press time, the 111th Congress had convened with just 98 members sworn in and the fate of the two other seats unsettled. Uncertainty continues over the seating of Roland W. Burns, the choice of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) to fill President-elect Barack Obama's former Senate seat. Due to circumstances related to the criminal case pending against Blagojevich, Senate leaders initially declined to accept Burris' credentials. However, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid later signaled that he had softened his position and might agree to seat Burris provided Burris met certain conditions.

In Minnesota, the contest between Democrat Al Franken and Republican incumbent Norm Coleman has also not been settled. Franken maintains a slim lead, according to an announcement on Jan. 5 by the state's Canvassing Board, but Coleman has filed a legal challenge that will probably not get under way until late this month. Under Minnesota state law, the winner can be certified until all legal challenges have been settled. Reid has indicated that he might seek to seat Franken before all the challenges have played out, but Republican senators have said they will oppose such a move.

Also, at press time, two current members who have been appointed to Cabinet positions remain in the Senate for now but are slated to leave soon. New York Gov. David A. Paterson (D) has not yet named a replacement for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D), who is expected to win confirmation as secretary of state. However, Clinton has said she will not resign until she is confirmed. On Jan. 2, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) appointed Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennett to succeed Sen. Ken Salazar (D), who has been nominated for interior secretary. Salazar has also said he will not resign until confirmed.

For more details on these and other policy issues, contact Larry Goolsby, director of legislative affairs, or see the APHSA web site, www.aphsa.org.