Judges in Senate trial OK electronic coverage

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The three-judge panel in Minnesota's U.S. Senate election dispute will allow electronic media coverage of the trial.

The judges are hearing the first arguments Wednesday when lawyers for Democrat Al Franken seek dismissal of the election challenge filed by Republican Norm Coleman. The judges are allowing one TV camera, one still photographer and one audio recorder into the proceedings in the Supreme Court chambers, and those outlets are being asked to share their material with colleagues.

A Supreme Court spokesman says there will be similar arrangements going forward. If Franken's motion to dismiss fails, the trial is to begin next Monday.

A group of Minnesota media outlets and professional organizations had sought permission to record, photograph and broadcast the proceedings.