BREAKING: Al Franken Declared Winner
The Minnesota Supreme Court has declared Al Franken the winner of the protracted (by sore loser Norm Coleman) Senate race. Given that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has stated that he will sign the election certificate in such an eventuality, Al Franken could be seated in the Senate this afternoon or tomorrow.
UPDATE: Here is the decision (warning, it is a PDF document). The money quote from the decision:
For all of the foregoing reasons, we affirm the decision of the trial court that Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled under Minn. Stat. ยง 204C.40 (2008) to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota.
While this is not a direct order to Governor Pawlenty, it would seem to me that the Governor would have to come up with a pretty damn good reason to deny the certificate at this point. As I stated, he has already said he would sign the certificate if the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld the results of the recount. If he flip flops in the span of 48 hours, his political career will be damaged (although the conservative base will undoubtedly be angry if he does sign the certificate, thus damaging his political prospects). I love a no win scenario for a Republican.
UPDATE #2: Coleman concedes, Franken should be seated next week.
AYE, and it’s about damn time.
Susan took the words right out of my mouth, about time.
Reid said he will be seated next week since the Senate is in recess for the 4th of July holiday.
Reid. What a loser that guy is.
People like him.
Coleman concedes, congratulates Franken
by Jed Lewison
Tue Jun 30, 2009 at 01:02:15 PM PDT
Can you say Senator-elect Al Franken? Finally!
Update 1:02PM, from Coleman’s press conference: “We have reached the point where future litigation damages our state….I congratulate Al Franken on his victory.”
Woo-hoo! Only 7-plus months after Election Day. At least Franken can help shape the health care debate in the Senate…
Hooray! I swear I go out to the grocery store and things happen. Can’t a gal catch a break!
Also while you were out, UI:
Guess who responded thusly: “It is a bad day for American Liberty. Too bad the liberals refuse to count every vote.”
Incredible!!!
http://www.delawarepolitics.net/al-frankin-wins-court-ruling/
It’s always opposite day over at that site.
Yes, Coleman wanted to count all votes, even the illegal ones, as long as they were for him. He was trying to get legal Franken votes thrown out. Plus, every time they counted more votes, Franken’s lead grew.