By P.J. Huffstutter and James Oliphant|July 01, 2009
Reporting from Washington — After a fierce legal battle and a voter recount fight that stretched on for seven months, the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously ruled today that Democrat Al Franken be certified as the winner in the long-disputed U.S. Senate race. Two hours after the ruling was announced, Republican Norm Coleman conceded defeat.
Franken said at a news conference that he was humbled "not just by the closeness of this election, but by the responsibility that comes with this position."
"I can't wait to get started," he added.
Standing outside his Minnesota home, Coleman told reporters: "The election of November 2008 is over. . . . It's time to look forward and not look back."
Coleman said he was at peace with the outcome, adding that he would not pursue further legal appeals and would respect the court's decision in the longest election in the state's history.
"It's time for Minnesota to come together under the leaders it's chosen and move forward," he said.
In a statement, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he intended to sign the election certificate today officially certifying Franken as the winner.
In its ruling today, the court rejected Coleman's contention that thousands of absentee ballots in the Senate race were illegally excluded.
The court's ruling stated that "Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled under [Minnesota law] to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota."
Franken's victory gives the Democrats 60 votes in the Senate, enough to overcome any Republican attempts to stall legislation through a filibuster.
However, the poor health of Democratic Sens. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts and Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia also factor into that equation. Moreover, many centrist senators are notoriously independent on major issues and cannot always be counted on to vote with the caucus, which includes two independents.
The Democratic caucus also includes Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who defected from the GOP earlier this year and who has taken delight at times in charting his own course and frustrating both parties. Specter, however, could face a difficult primary challenge next year as he seeks reelection and may have to prove his Democratic bona fides to reassure voters back home.
Franken himself cautioned that he will be no Democratic automaton.
