Franken declared winner, gives Dems Super Majority in U.S. Senate

The Minnesota Supreme Court declared Al Franken the victor of a hotly contested Senate race. The victory gives U.S. Senate Democrats, for all intents and purposes, a filibuster-proof majority.

Almost eight months after a hotly contested election that drew national attention, Al Franken has been declared the winner over incumbent Norm Coleman in the Minnesota Senate race. Franken, a comedian turned politician, won the initial vote, but after recounts the race had remained too-close to call for almost eight months. The state's highest court today though, stopped Coleman's attempt to continue the recount, overturning five charges the Republican made. The win makes Franken the 58th Democrat, two short of the majority needed to prevent opposition filibusters. Unfortunately for the GOP though, two Independents in the Senate often caucus and vote with Democrats, giving the party the all-important 60 votes needed. Franken claims, however, isn't concerned about majorities and politics. "A lot is being made of me being the 60th member of the Democratic caucus. That's not how I see it," Franken said, as reported by Reuters via Yahoo! News. "I'm going to Washington to be the second senator from Minnesota." Coleman said outside the courtroom that his battle was over. "I thought we had a better case, but the court has spoken," Coleman said outside his St. Paul, Minnesota, home. "I'll abide by the results. There will be no further litigation." Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is expected to certify Franken immediately.