House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi chided Republicans Thursday for protesting the election of Congressman-elect Jared Golden.
Golden, the apparent winner in the nation's first congressional contest decided by ranked-choice voting, hopes to be seated Jan. 3 with other members. However, Beltway Republicans have suggested that they'll oppose his seating if a recount requested by Golden's opponent, Republican Bruce Poliquin, isn't certified by state election officials before the swearing in.
Pelosi indicated during a briefing with reporters that Democrats aren't too worried about the recount or Poliquin's legal challenge.
Pelosi also noted that under the U.S. Constitution, the House of Representatives ultimately decides who is seated, and she suggested that Golden would be seated since Democrats will soon to assume the majority.
The recount is not expected to end until early next month. A federal judge says he rule on Poliquin's legal challenge next week.
