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. § 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.