Media seek cameras, recorders in Senate trial

By PATRICK CONDON
Associated Press Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota media outlets have asked the three-judge panel appointed to preside over the lawsuit in the unresolved U.S. Senate race to allow cameras and audio recording devices into the courtroom.

Minnesota law keeps electronic media out of the courtroom unless the presiding judge, the prosecution and the defense all agree to allow them. Dave Pyle, bureau chief for The Associated Press in Minnesota and Wisconsin, wrote in a letter to judges Elizabeth Hayden, Kurt Marben and Denise Reilly that the case is of great interest in Minnesota and the nation, as well as the object of partisan rancor and suspicion.

"Live electronic coverage presents a perfect opportunity to serve the public's legitimate interest in the evidence, while at the same time demonstrating the fairness of the proceedings," Pyle wrote, in a letter signed by numerous Minnesota media outlets and professional organizations.

The campaigns of both Democrat Al Franken and Republican Norm Coleman said they don't oppose electronic coverage of the trial.

At least 35 other states have looser restrictions on electronic coverage of trials than Minnesota, but efforts to ease Minnesota's rules have met resistance over concerns that the media would broadcast the most salacious trials.

Both Hayden and Marben served last year on a panel of state district court judges appointed to allow electronic coverage of trials. The panel voted to keep the current restrictions, with Marben voting with the majority — but Hayden, who chaired that panel, voted to liberalize the restrictions.

Hayden, Marben and Reilly were appointed by Supreme Court Justice Alan Page to preside over the election contest filed by Coleman. The Republican hopes to overturn Franken's 225-vote margin as certified by the state Canvassing Board. The trial, the date for which has not yet been set, will be held in a Ramsey County courtroom.

John Kostouros, spokesman for the state Supreme Court, said Thursday that the members of the three-judge panel were aware of the media request and would consider it.

Mark Anfinson, attorney for the Minnesota Newspaper Association, said he expected the three judges would opt to allow electronic coverage as long as both campaigns give their consent.

The steps of the recount that proceeded Coleman's legal challenge were all taken under close media scrutiny, with Secretary of State Mark Ritchie frequently touting the transparency of the process. Cameras and microphones were allowed to record the recounting as it occurred at county and city facilities around the state, and the meetings of the state Canvassing Board were televised and open to cameras and recorders.

Among those requesting electronic coverage of the trial were both Twin Cities daily newspapers, the Forum Communications Co. newspaper group, all four Twin Cities TV stations and Minnesota Public Radio, as well as the Minnesota Newspaper Association; the Minnesota Broadcasters Association; the Society of Professional Journalists; the Minnesota AP Association; and the Minnesota AP Broadcasters.