Minnesota Supreme Court: Franken wins, Dems at 60
The Minnesota Supreme Court today unanimously ruled former "Saturday Night Live" star Al Franken the winner of last November’s Senate race, putting him on the brink of becoming a U.S. Senator and giving Democrats a dominant 60-vote supermajority in the Senate.
In a unanimous 5-0 decision, the court upheld a three-judge panel’s April 14 ruling that Franken defeated Republican Norm Coleman in the race by 312 votes out of 2.9 million cast, according to Reuters.
According to published reports, Coleman has said he is unlikely to appeal the state court’s decision to the federal courts. Under state law, the court’s decision gives Franken the right to occupy the seat, which has been up for grabs since last November’s election.
Minnesota Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty has said he will certify the election winner based on what the state court decides.
If the decision holds up, Democrats will control 60 of the 100 Senate seats — enough to overcome Republican procedural roadblocks in a clear boost to President Barack Obama’s agenda.
Democrats already hold a solid majority in the U.S. House.