Democratic leaders made Burris’ claim on the seat contingent on his ability to secure a formal election certificate from the state of Illinois, a document Franken will not have until Norm Coleman’s election challenges in Minnesota have been exhausted.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in announcing a deal to seat Burris provisionally, said an election certificate is a “vital” requirement that has never been waived in modern history. [...]

The Democrats’ announcement seemed to dampen speculation that there might be an effort to seat Franken this week, in light of his 225-vote recount victory. Though some Minnesota Democrats, including U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, have suggested seating Franken pending the outcome of Coleman’s legal challenges, Minnesota law requires the full election contest be complete before the governor can sign a formal state certification. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has indicated that he will abide by the law.

That could be awhile. Another Star-Tribune piece reports that Coleman’s suit could take two months to decide.