Minnesota officials rebuff Franken

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (CNN) - Minnesota's attorney general and governor rejected a request Monday from the Al Franken campaign that they issue a certificate of election to Franken in his bid to win a seat in the U.S. Senate.

"Minnesota law is very clear on when a certificate of election can be issued," Secretary of State Mark Ritchie said in a written statement. "Neither the governor nor I may sign a certificate of election in the U.S. Senate race until all election contests have reached a final determination."

Gov. Tim Pawlenty said in a separate statement, "I have a duty to follow state law and our statutes are clear on this issue. I am prohibited from issuing a certificate of election until the election contest in the courts has been resolved."

Franken's attorneys, in a letter earlier Monday, had said Ritchie and Pawlenty were required to sign the official election certificate under federal and state law since seven days had passed from the time the canvassing board certified the results of the recount, which put Franken ahead by 225 votes.