Per Senate rules (former senator) Coleman's offices were shut down today

Senate rules officials order Coleman's offices shut

WASHINGTON -- With the recount battle still underway, the doors to Norm Coleman's Senate offices were locked this morning at the direction of Senate rules committee officials who declared his term expired. "They can't carry on Senate business," said Howard Gantman, staff director for the Senate Rules and Administration Committee. Coleman, in a statement issued at mid-day, said "without question this is a unique situation in the history of the Senate, and specifics are still being determined as to the future of the Senate office."

Although the Minnesota Republican's term ended at noon Eastern time on Saturday, a Washington staff of about 20 reported to work this morning, performing what one staffer termed "constituent service."

Shortly before noon, however, Coleman staffers were directed to close their offices in St. Paul and on the third floor of the Hart Office Building near the U.S. Capitol. By the lunch hour, the doors were locked, though the lights were left on. Nobody answered a knock on the door.

Callers to the Capitol Hill office were greeted by a recording saying "Thank you for contacting Norm Coleman's office. No one is available to answer your call right now. Please leave a message." Calls to Coleman's St. Paul office were answered by a recording for the "United States Senate voice messaging service."

Under an existing Senate resolution, his staff can stay on Senate payroll for 60 days under the supervision of the Secretary of the Senate. Senate Democrats said talks are underway about allowing Coleman staffers to remain in the office to archive files and transfer constituent services. But it could not reopen for Senate business, pending the outcome of the recount battle, which appears headed for court.